Daily biorhythm from horses measured with ALT pedometer for well-being
in different horse keeping systems
U. Brehme1, U. Stollberg1, Y. Buschor2, B. Strickler2 and R.V. Niederhäusern2
1Department of Engineering for Livestock Management,
Institute of Agricultural Engineering Bornim, Potsdam-Bornim, Germany
2Haras National stud farm, Avenches, Switzerland
Electronic identi.cation and measuring systems represent key technologies
for progressive automation in animal husbandry in modern, future-oriented
livestock farming. Suitable objective measuring systems are needed in
animals husbandry to recognize animal that are ill, ready to mate or for
analysis the living conditions in different keeping systems. Modern sensors
(sensors, bio sensors) and increasingly non-invasive measuring and transfer
methods make crucial improvements in the potential for measuring animal
data. A new type of pedometer, named ALT pedometer, was developed to use
for cattle and horses. ALT is the abbreviation for - activity, lying time,
temperature. The pedometer system registers the three parameter activity,
lying time, and temperature for an accurate determination of the daily
biorhythm of horses. It was tested in stud-farms in Germany and Switzerland
with good results.
The main reason for these investigations was the question: is the present
dimensions of single boxes, single boxes with paddock and grazing area
suf.cient and suitable for horse keeping? The first investigation took
place in Germany in single boxes with three stallions and three mares
over two weeks. In Switzerland two investigations were carried out. First
includes nine stallions and four geldings in single boxes and boxes with
run over three month. Second includes five stallions for two month on
the pasture in winter time and a one month period in single boxes in the
stable. Through continuous automatic recording with an eligible time interval
(5 min) automatic data transmission from pedometer to PC a successful
and rapid control of the exact daily biorhythm with detailed results for
activity and lying time per day is possible. The high correspondence between
the measuring parameters activity and lying time allow a statement to
be made a correct and differentiate course of the daily biorhythm of horses
in keeping systems. The first results will be reported.
Paper presented
at Measuring Behavior 2005
, 5th International Conference on Methods and Techniques
in Behavioral Research, 30 August - 2 September 2005, Wageningen, The
Netherlands.
© 2005 Noldus
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