Development of a Propeller P8X 32A Based Wireless Biosensor System for Cattle Health Monitoring and Disease Detection

Aims: In order to meet the increased global bovine meat demand, reduce losses due to diseases and improvise current cattle husbandry techniques, it is necessary to develop a wearable sensor node which measures parameters such as the temperature of the animal and monitors its activity. To map health issues and disease symptoms with respective sensors. To effectively transfer the data wirelessly to the receiving end and the design should be sensitive and reliable. The sensor’s performance should be tested on similar objects as an unhealthy cow and faulty nodes. Cost of sensors must economic in terms of the Canadian cattle sensor markets and power saving strategies for health monitor’s future performance should be evaluated.

Study Design: This paper projects the design of a health monitor which wirelessly transmitted the mean activity and skin temperature of the animal to the herd administrator. The activity and behavior was determined by a dual axis accelerometer, temperature using a digital temperature sensor which was controlled by the propeller P8X32A micro controller board using SPIN programming.

Place and Duration of Study: Design and experiments at Bio signals Research Lab, University of Guelph from January 2014 to December 2015.

Methodology: Simulated experiments were carried out using the designed sensor at a sample rate of 30 minutes intervals continuously for 72 hours in the lab. Experiments were first carried out using sensor simulations on standard temperature and normal activity levels then trials of controlled experiments were carried out with variants deviating from the standard value, with reference to the symptoms as derived before.

Results: Simulated results show that the designed system was sensitive to the experiments and the designed sensor be used monitor cattle health and detect symptoms of common diseases. Large scale market analysis was compared with Canadian cattle sensor markets and power saving methods was discussed

Conclusion: The designed system could be an effective, efficient, reliable and economic detection method to trace any health issues or diseases in cattle for the livestock and dairy industry.