Suitability and Accuracy of Two Data Loggers for Measuring Lying Behaviour in Sheep Managed on Pasture

Limited on‐animal sensor technology is available to monitor sheep behaviour. We investigated the accuracy and suitability of Hobo Pendant G and IceQube loggers for recording lying behaviour, and steps (IceQube) in pasture‐managed sheep. Twenty mixed‐breed ewes wore both sensors on their hind legs for 20 consecutive days. Lying behaviour was recorded for 12 h daily (8:00–20:00 h) using video cameras. For step count, four 15‐min intervals per sheep ( n = 20) were analysed. Bland–Altman plots revealed that the percentage of time recorded as lying per hour by both loggers closely matched video observations. For Hobo/Video and IceQube/Video comparisons, 93% and 99% of data respectively were within ±2% of video‐observed lying time. The two loggers were also closely matched, with 93% of data within ±2%. Sheep spent on average 13.7 ± 1.24 h (SD) lying per day (range: 7.4–19.2 h). IceQube underestimated steps compared to manual video counts (mean difference; 7 steps, limits of agreement −21.5 to 35.5). After 5 days, one sheep had minor rubbing (IceQube) and after 20 days, 5 sheep had minor or major rubbing from the loggers (3 IceQubes, 4 Hobos). Both loggers accurately captured lying time, but improved attachment materials are needed to prevent rubbing.