How Wearable Technology Impacts the Animal Health Industry

Wearable devices have become a part of almost every home and health plan today. The go-to solution for most healthcare providers is a Fitbit-style application with a Smart Health Watch. This has made gathering and analyzing health data rather easy. They enhance our general wellbeing by measuring activity and sleep habits. But these capabilities and benefits are not confined to human health. It is also used to track the health and behaviour of animals. This article will explore the way wearable technology is impacting animal health.

What is Wearable Technology?

Wearable technology refers to devices that are worn on the body and can collect and transmit data. These devices can range from fitness trackers and smartwatches to sensors and cameras that can be attached to animals. Wearable devices have been around for some time, but recent advancements in technology have made them more accessible and affordable. 

The Benefits of Wearable Technology for Animal Health Monitoring

In our article on Precision Livestock Farming, we discussed the immense importance of maintaining regular records and making quick improvements to resolve minor issues before they snowball. Monitoring makes up a major aspect of that discussion. 

One of the key benefits of using wearable technology to monitor animal health is that it allows for non-invasive monitoring. In the past, checking the animal for illnesses would involve capturing and handling the animal, which can be stressful for the animal and time-consuming for the veterinarian or researcher. By using wearable sensors, it is possible to monitor animals without causing any disturbance to their natural behaviors, which is especially crucial when studying wildlife. Interfering with their natural behavior can affect the accuracy of the collected data and potentially impact their survival.

Wearable devices also help to improve the accuracy of animal health monitoring. Traditional methods of monitoring animal health relied on subjective observations and physical examinations. With wearable technology, data can be collected and analyzed in real-time, providing more accurate and detailed information on an animal’s health and behaviors. For example, sensors can be used to monitor an animal’s heart rate, body temperature, and activity levels. This data can then be analyzed to identify any abnormalities or changes in the animal’s health.

Another benefit of utilizing bio-sensors to monitor animal health is that it allows for continuous monitoring. Traditional monitoring methods would involve periodic check-ups, which may not capture changes in an animal’s health that occur between check-ups. Wearable technology allows for continuous monitoring, which can provide a more comprehensive picture of an animal’s health and behaviours over time. This is particularly useful when monitoring chronic conditions or diseases.

Wearable Technology for Livestock Monitoring

Livestock monitoring is a crucial aspect of animal husbandry. Farmers need to keep track of the health and welfare of their animals to ensure they are productive and healthy. Farmers can now use wearable devices to collect real-time data about their animals’ behavior, health, and productivity. This information can be used to identify health issues early and take corrective action before it’s too late.

Wearable technology for livestock monitoring includes sensors, trackers, and smart devices that are attached to the animals. These devices can track various parameters such as body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, activity levels, and location. The data is then transmitted to a cloud-based platform, where it is analysed and presented to the farmer in an easy-to-understand format.

One of the most significant applications of wearable technology in livestock monitoring is in the dairy industry. Dairy farmers use wearable technology to monitor the health and productivity of their cows. The real-time data collected is analysed to foresee potential diseases and physical conditions, such as respiratory problems or infections. This allows farmers and herders to be proactive. They can nip the issue in the bud by quarantining the animal to prevent the spread of diseases, or taking measures to improve the overall health.

The technology used in dairy cow monitoring includes activity sensors, milk yield sensors, and rumination sensors. Activity sensors track the cow’s movements and provide data on their activity levels, which can be an indicator of their overall health. Milk yield sensors measure the amount of milk produced by the cow, which can provide insights into their health and productivity. Rumination sensors track how long the cow spends chewing their cud, which is an important indicator of their digestive health.

Wearable technology is helpful for Veterinarians

Wearable technology is not just beneficial for farmers, but it can also be incredibly helpful for veterinarians. Veterinarians can use wearable technology to monitor the health and behavior of their animal patients and make more informed diagnoses and treatment plans. Here are some of the ways wearable technology can be helpful for veterinarians:

Remote monitoring

Tags on the animals’ ears can be attached or chips can be implanted to detect harmful substances, such as toxins or pollutants, in food or water that animals consume. This gives veterinarians access to their patients’ vital signs, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature – all in one place. This information can provide valuable insights into animal health, well-being, and the environment in which they live. Remote monitoring can also save time and money by reducing the need for in-person check-ups.

Behavior tracking

For animal caretakers, the way an animal moves (lethargic or energetic) reveals much about its health. Sick animals show reduced play, grooming, and sexual behavior, a weakening of appetite. Biosensors can track an animal’s activity levels, expulsion of waste, and eating regularity. This can help detect potential health problems in animals. An alert can then be sent out to the pet parent and the local veterinarian.

Post-operative care

For example, a post-operative patient could wear a device that tracks their heart rate and respiration, which can provide important information about their recovery. Veterinarians can use this data to make adjustments to the animal’s medication or care plan as needed.

Client education

Keeping animal owners informed of their pet’s wellness metrics is important. If the owner cannot grasp a condition that is not externally manifesting, they may not consent to treatment procedures or tests. For example, if a dog is wearing a device that tracks their activity levels, the veterinarian can use this data to show the owner how much exercise their pet is getting and whether they need to increase their activity level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wearable technology is proving to be an invaluable tool in animal health, farming, and veterinary medicine. For farmers, wearable technology allows for the early detection of health issues, ensuring that their livestock stays healthy and productive. For veterinarians, wearable technology enables them to remotely monitor animal patients and make more informed diagnoses and treatment plans. It also offers a wealth of data on animal behavior, which can be used to promote animal welfare and educate pet owners.

As wearable technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more innovative uses in the animal health industry. For example, wearable technology could be used to monitor the effects of climate change on animal populations, or to track the spread of diseases that affect both animals and humans.

Despite the many benefits of wearable technology, it is important to remember that it should never replace the expertise and care of experienced animal health professionals. Wearable technology is a valuable tool, but it should be used in conjunction with traditional methods of animal care.

Overall, wearable technology has already had a significant impact on animal health, farming, and veterinary medicine. As such, it is likely to become an increasingly important part of animal health in the years to come.