Where to place the sensor?
There are a lot of companies that produce and sell wearable technologies for dairy cows. If we can measure what the cows tell us, we can adapt to it. And most of all, we can intervene sooner. If a sensor tracks an elevated body temperatures, the fans and sprinklers can be turned on automatically. If a sensor records that a cow is lying most of the time, the farmer can double check if the cow has early signs of lameness for example and can prevent problems at an early stage. Sensors or trackers for cows can be placed around the neck, in the ear, attached to the leg or tail or placed in the rumen or in mouth. There is a wide variation in failure rate. A good sensor has a battery life of 3-5 years and less 2% of systems failure per year. The most common places for a sensor are:
Ear: Easy to put on, sensors are small size. However, they can be easily torn out.
Leg: Stays on well, but harder to put on and may collect manure.
Neck: Logical location for behaviour and stays on well. But needs to be adjusted due to neck growth.
Tail: Good location for calving behaviours but falls off and may cut off blood flow.
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