Application of Precision Technologies to Characterize Animal Behavior: A Review

Simple Summary The information that can be deduced from animal behaviors is diverse. Unlike in the past, these behaviors can now be monitored for extended periods of time, thanks to the many advanced tools and sensors. The changes in behavioral patterns can provide many indications and clues about various aspects of the animals' needs and status. In this review, we evaluate three types of technology used to identify the behaviors of three types of ruminants. These tools have the potential to significantly assist farmers in the continuous development of their practices.Abstract This study aims to evaluate the state of precision livestock farming (PLF)'s spread, utilization, effectiveness, and evolution over the years. PLF includes a plethora of tools, which can aid in a number of laborious and complex tasks. These tools are often used in the monitoring of different animals, with the objective to increase production and improve animal welfare. The most frequently monitored attributes tend to be behavior, welfare, and social interaction. This study focused on the application of three types of technology: wearable sensors, video observation, and smartphones. For the wearable devices, the focus was on accelerometers and global positioning systems. For the video observation, the study addressed drones and cameras. The animals monitored by these tools were the most common ruminants, which are cattle, sheep, and goats. This review involved 108 articles that were believed to be pertinent. Most of the studied papers were very accurate, for most tools, when utilized appropriate; some showed great benefits and potential.