Bursa Uludag University Research: Behavioral and Locomotor Activity Analysis in Holstein Cows with Dairysense (MDPI Animals)

In modern dairy farming, profitability, high animal welfare, and sustainable production depend not on guesswork, but on precise, verified field data. A newly published scientific study conducted at Bursa Uludag University Animal Health and Animal Production Research Center and featured in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal MDPI Animals (2026, Vol 16, Issue 18, Article 2903) scientifically validates the high accuracy and reliability of Dairysense precision livestock systems.

The research is titled: "Evaluation of Daily Behavioral Patterns and Locomotor Activity in Holstein Dairy Cattle Under Different Physiological Stages and Management Factors".

Scope and Methodology of the Research

The study investigated the behavioral cycles and locomotor activities of Holstein dairy cattle across different physiological stages (heifers, dry cows, and lactating cows):

Data Volume: A total of 8,698 daily individual cow-level behavioral records were analyzed.

Technology Employed: Behavioral patterns (rumination duration, lying, and standing time) were continuously tracked 24/7 using Dairysense Smart Neck Collars (Dairycollar); step counts and locomotor activity were monitored using Dairysense Pedometers (s-Tag).

Management Factor: The behavioral impact of transitioning herd milking frequency from 3× daily to 2× daily was statistically evaluated.

Key Scientific Findings

The findings obtained by the independent researchers highlight the vital importance of precision sensor technology in modern herd management:

1. Rumination and Resting Patterns

Statistically significant behavioral differences were observed across heifers, dry cows, and lactating cows. Real-time rumination tracking provided granular insights into digestive health and metabolic stability.

2. Behavioral Impact of Milking Frequency Changes

When farm management transitioned milking frequency from 3× to 2× daily, statistically significant shifts in resting durations and locomotor steps were recorded. Dairysense sensors proved capable of immediately detecting these management-induced behavioral changes.

3. Consistency Across Lactation Numbers

Behavioral metrics among lactating cows remained homogeneous across lactation numbers, demonstrating that Dairysense sensor collars and pedometers deliver reliable, reproducible data across all age groups.

Why Precision Sensor Accuracy Matters in Dairy Farming

A 30-minute drop in daily rumination time is an early biological warning sign that precedes clinical signs of mastitis, acidosis, or ketosis by 24 to 48 hours.

With Dairysense Herd Management Solutions, dairy farmers gain actionable intelligence rather than raw numbers:

Early Health Warnings: Proactive veterinary intervention before clinical disease takes hold.

Optimal Insemination Timing: Accurate estrus detection based on step count and behavioral spikes.

Economic Profitability: Reduced days open, lower medication costs, and sustained milk yields.

Academic Citation & Official Publication

Paper Title: Evaluation of Daily Behavioral Patterns and Locomotor Activity in Holstein Dairy Cattle Under Different Physiological Stages and Management Factors

Authors: Tuğçe Necla Selvi, Hakan Üstüner, Sena Ardıçlı, Emre Arslanoğlu, Yaren Özkaraca, Nursen Şentürk, Abdülkadir Orman (Bursa Uludag University)

Journal: Animals (MDPI), 2026, 16(18), 2903

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16182903

Read Full Paper: MDPI Animals Article Page

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