A Systematic Review on Commercially Available and Validated Sensor Technologies for Welfare Assessment of Dairy Cattle

In order to base welfare assessment of dairy cattle on real-time measurement, integration valid and reliable precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies is needed. The aim this study was provide a systematic overview externally validated commercially available PLF technologies, which could be used for sensor-based in cattle. Following Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, literature review conducted identify sensor technologies. Out 1,111 publications initially extracted from databases, only 42 studies describing 30 tools (including prototypes) met requirements external validation. Moreover, through market search, 129 different retailed with application animal-based were identified. total, 18 currently sensors have been (14%). highest validation rate found systems based accelerometers (30% the records), while lower rates obtained cameras (10%), load cells (8%), miscellaneous milk boluses (7%). Validated traits concerned animal activity, feeding drinking behavior, physical condition, health animals. majority adult cows. Non-active behavior (lying standing) rumination most often high performance. Regarding active (e.g., walking), performance reported. Also, condition body scoring) evaluation mastitis detection) classified group. accuracy varied depending measured trait sensor. relevance assessment, several had good quality sensors) cells, accelerometers). Accelerometers-based also practical assess housing. However, low potential appropriate To increase actors' trust toward technology prompt studies, especially commercial herds, are Future research should concentrate developing validating dedicated monitoring calves heifers.