Utilizing advanced technologies to assess rumination time as a parameter for evaluating feeding and locomotion behavior in dairy cows

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between rumination and parameters associated with feeding and locomotion, including chews, eating duration, drinking gulps, bolus counts, activity levels, and activity changes, utilizing RumiWatch technology. Material-Method: The RumiWatch sensor (RWS; Switzerland) was used to record time and frequency related to rumination, feeding, and movement. The RWS system was operational from June 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023. From June 1 to June 14, 2023 wasan acclimation period for the cows, allowing them to adjust. Data collection began on June 14 at 7 a.m. and continued until June 30, 2023, with recordings taken hourly. Results: Our findings reveal a significant negative correlation between rumination time and Other Activity Time (r = -0.435, p < 0.001), Eating Time 1 (feeding time with head positioned down) (r = -0.544, p < 0.001), and Eating Time 2 (feeding time with head positioned up) (r = -0.508, p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a strong positive correlation with Rumination Chews (r = 0.894, p < 0.001) and a negative correlation with both Eating Chews 1 (r = -0.508, p < 0.001). Positive associations were also observed with Drinking Gulps (r = 0.535, p < 0.001), Bolus (r = 0.993, p < 0.001),Chews per Minute (r = 0.672, p < 0.001), and Activity (r = 0.488, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the study’s findings, a practical recommendation for dairy farm management is to adopt the RumiWatch System for monitoring rumination and feeding behaviors in dairy cows.