Sensor-based detection of parturition in beef cattle grazing in an extensive landscape: a case study using a commercial GNSS collar

Context. Neonate management remains a key issue in extensive beef production systems where producers are faced with substantial environmental and management challenges that limit their ability to monitor and manage livestock in a timely manner. Parturition is a critical event and can affect the calf health and survival, particularly in the perinatal period (up to 48 h after birth). As such, monitoring parturition using precision livestock technologies may provide producers with additional tools to manage their cattle and mitigate the impacts of neonatal mortality in extensive beef systems. Aims. The purpose of this study was to determine whether data from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) collar could be used to detect parturition events in extensively grazed beef cattle. Methods. Forty-eight Bos taurus cows (583.5 kg body weight +/- 9.25 s.e.m.) were allocated to a 28 ha paddock between 8 January 2021 and 6 March 2021 during the calving season. Thirty of the animals were fitted with GNSS-equipped collars (Smart Paddock, Vic., Australia) that captured data at 10 min intervals. Parturition events were recorded daily by visual observation. Collected data were used to calculate key predictive features related to calving behaviour. Derived features were compared and assessed for changes in the period surrounding parturition. Key results. Increases were observed in distance to nearest neighbour and to herd aggregate features, and decreases were observed in paddock utilisation and distance travelled features in the lead-up to calving (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the number of animals within a 20 m radius decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the lead up to parturition, supporting known isolation behaviours. Conclusions. With further development of predictive algorithms, on-animal sensors may be valuable in the prediction of calving events in extensive beef production systems. Implications. Remote management and monitoring with on-animal sensor technologies, such as GNSS collars and tags, will provide producers with an additional means of monitoring their animals, while overcoming many of the management challenges associated with extensive grazing operations.