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Validation of a noseband pressure sensor algorithm as a tool for evaluation of feeding behaviour in dairy Mediterranean buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 February 2019

Jacopo Guccione ,
Luigi D'Andrea ,
Maher Alsaaod ,
Giuliano Borriello ,
Adrian Steiner  and
Paolo Ciaramella
Jacopo Guccione
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli ‘Federico II,’ Via Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
Luigi D'Andrea*
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli ‘Federico II,’ Via Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
Maher Alsaaod
Affiliation:
Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3001, Switzerland
Giuliano Borriello
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli ‘Federico II,’ Via Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
Adrian Steiner
Affiliation:
Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3001, Switzerland
Paolo Ciaramella
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli ‘Federico II,’ Via Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
*
Author for correspondence: Luigi D'Andrea, Email: luigi.dandrea@unina.it
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Abstract

This research communication addresses the goal of validating an algorithm to monitor natural occurrence of feeding behaviours in dairy Mediterranean buffalo based on the output of a noseband pressure sensor (RumiWatch®, halter). Several characteristics of the feeding behaviour were detected with a very high (ruminating boluses), high (chews per bolus) and moderate degree of correlation (chews per minute) with video analyses (gold standard). All of them were associated with a low mean difference with the gold standard, and the mean relative measurement error ranged between low (ruminating boluses) and moderate (chews per bolus and chews per minute). The proportion of correctly detected events for the variables rumination and eating time was 98 and 99%, respectively. The collection of data and subsequent evaluation of the parameters investigated may provide objective information on Mediterranean Buffalo behaviours allowing for reliable studies of the animal welfare in this ruminant in the future.

Keywords

Dairy Mediterranean buffalofeeding behaviourhealthnoseband sensorwelfare
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Dairy Research , Volume 86 , Issue 1 , February 2019 , pp. 40 - 42
Copyright
Copyright © Hannah Dairy Research Foundation 2019 

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References

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