Validation and Implementation of an Automated Chew Sensor–Based Remote Monitoring Device as Tool for Equine Grazing Research

Weinert, J.R.; Werner, Jessica; Williams, Carey A.

doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102971

Cited by 10 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…These measurements were carried out overnight right after test feed provision time and lasted until approximately 0700 h. The measurements were made with the EquiWatch System (Itin+Hoch GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland), which is a halter equipped with two sensors: a pressure sensor (primary) and a triaxial accelerometer (secondary) embedded into a noseband of the halter. The EquiWatch system was validated for its ability to generate data necessary for characterizing feeding behaviour in horses (Weinert et al., 2020 ). Halters were monitored through the software RumiWatch Manager, and the data were downloaded from the data logger on the halter and subsequently processed by the RumiWatch Converter software into summaries (Microsoft Excel format) of parameters at chosen intervals.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The halter monitors and records eating, chewing, drinking and other activities during feeding, including the head movements of the animal (Werner et al., 2016 ). Parameters included EATUPTIME (eating time while keeping the head up), EATDOWNTIME (eating time while keeping the head down), EATUPCHEWS (number of eating chews while keeping the head up) and EATDOWNCHEWS (number of eating chews while keeping the head down), the system algorithms of which are explained in a previous publication (Weinert et al., 2020 ). In addition, there were HEADACTIVITYINDEX (head movement index based on accelerometer data), ACTIVITYCHANGES (number of activity changes between registered activities) and ambient (min, max and average) temperatures included in the present study.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, there were HEADACTIVITYINDEX (head movement index based on accelerometer data), ACTIVITYCHANGES (number of activity changes between registered activities) and ambient (min, max and average) temperatures included in the present study. Following the validation (Weinert et al., 2020 ), data from EATUPCHEWS and EATDOWNCHEWS were summed as total chews and used in the present study. Accordingly, total eating time (the sum of EATUPTIME and EATDOWNTIME) was considered.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…embedded into a noseband of the halter. The EquiWatch system was validated for its ability to generate data necessary for characterizing feeding behaviour in horses (Weinert et al, 2020). Halters were monitored through the software RumiWatch Manager, and the data were downloaded from the data logger on the halter and subsequently processed by the RumiWatch Converter software into summaries (Microsoft Excel format) of parameters at chosen intervals.…”

Section: Test Feeds Nutrient Analyses and Feedingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The halter monitors and records eating, chewing, drinking and other activities during feeding, including the head movements of the animal (Werner et al, 2016). Parameters included EATUPTIME (eating time while keeping the head up), EATDOWNTIME (eating time while keeping the head down), EATUPCHEWS (number of eating chews while keeping the head up) and EATDOWNCHEWS (number of eating chews while keeping the head down), the system algorithms of which are explained in a previous publication (Weinert et al, 2020).…”

Section: Test Feeds Nutrient Analyses and Feedingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Changes in eating time, chewing activity and dust concentration in horses fed either alfalfa cubes or long‐stem hay

Petz

Khiaosa‐ard

Iben

et al. 2023

Veterinary Medicine & Sci

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Background:Chewing is an essential physiological process in horses; yet, the physical form of feeds may affect their chewing and feeding behaviour with consequences for equine digestion and health. Objectives and methods:The present study evaluated the potential of a commercial forage cubes made from alfalfa and mixed meadow grasses to maintain chewing activity when compared with a traditional long and fibre-rich hay. An additional aim was to measure the dust formation during feeding. The experiment was a crossover design with six horses (11 ± 4 years old, mean ± SD), fed with 5 kg (as-fed basis) of their feed (long hay or alfalfa cubes) overnight. Eating and chewing activity was measured using the EquiWatch system with a sensor-based halter.Results: Data showed that by feeding the same amount of feed overnight, cube feeding led to 24% shorter eating time (on average 67 min less) and 26% fewer total chews compared to the long hay. On an hourly basis, horses also spent more time eating and chewing the long hay compared to the cubes. The cube feeding led to a higher dust concentration of the inhalable fraction (<100 µm), but not of the thoracic (<10 µm) fraction. Nevertheless, average dust concentrations were generally low for both cubes and hay, whereby both were of sound hygienic status. Conclusion and recommendation:Our data suggest that feeding alfalfa-based cubes overnight generated shorter eating time and less chews than the long hay without major differences in the thoracic dust. Therefore, because of the decreased eating time and chews, alfalfa-based cubes should not be fed a sole forage source, especially when it is to be fed without restriction.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Test Feeds Nutrient Analyses and Feedingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Test Feeds Nutrient Analyses and Feedingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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