The evolution of sensor-based technologies in dairy production

Sensor-based management is growing rapidly in dairy farming. Activity, behavior and rumination monitors and data from au­tomated milking systems and calf feeders are established man­agement tools and hold promise for earlier or more efficient de­tection of health problems. However, gaps remain in validation and especially in turning streams of data into actionable infor­mation. On average, dairy herds can achieve comparable re­productive performance with management emphasizing estrus detection by activity monitors or timed insemination programs, but herd-specific variables will affect relative performance. Sensor-based screening of fresh cows may be useful to save la­bor or reduce disruptions to cows’ routines, but more validation is needed before this can augment or offset skilled, rational de­tection of health problems.