Exploring the Variation in Spatial Landscape Utilisation by Cows in the Pre- and Post-Partum Period Using GNSS Technology

On-animal sensors refer to systems that monitor the location, behaviour, or physiological characteristics of livestock. These technologies provide a method to overcome many of the challenges that are associated with monitoring livestock within an extensive grazing system. A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) could be used to detect the changes in spatial utilisation associated with when a cow has a calf at foot. In this study, forty pregnant Belmont Red heifers were fitted with GNSS collars programmed to provide a location reading at 5 minute intervals. The data was cleaned and mapped in ArcGIS to identify changes in paddock area preference in the week prior to (-7d to -1d) and following (1d to 7d) parturition. A total of 14 heifers calved during this period and an overall reduction in the total area utilised was observed following parturition. Ten animals showed a preference for the eastern-side of the paddock following calving. These results suggest that paddock utilisation by cows does change around parturition but is inconsistent. Further research is required to better understand this issue, however, this information could be used to inform management decisions around resource distribution in the post-partum period to maximise productivity and animal welfare