Sensors for dynamic physiological measurements

Stress research on agricultural production animals involves monitoring of bio-energetic responses to environmental challenges. Automated monitoring of physiological and behavioral responses of animals has the advantages of reducing labor, increasing the frequency of observation, and reducing bias and observer influence, but automation requires specialized instrumentation. Equipment has been developed or adapted to meet specific monitoring needs for a range of animals and facilities. This paper summarizes work related to cattle and swine stress research at the US Meat Animal Research Center, and specifically examines recording of body temperature, respiration rate, livestock safety monitoring and electronic identification. Much of this work has been reported previously and has been consolidated here to provide an overview of sensor development and application.