1. N. E. Engwall, K. N. Carraway Clemson University
Rumination monitoring as a Management tool for early detection of metabolic disorders
N. E. Engwall, K. N. Carraway
Clemson University

2. Overview-Rumination Reduce particle size Enhance digestibility
Increase saliva
Buffer rumen
Improve rumen health
Happy cows
Source: Memorial University

3. Overview-Metabolic Disorders
Ketosis
10-15% all fresh cows
Displaced Abomasum
80% within first month lactation
Ruminal Acidosis
First 60 days in lactation highest risk
Source: My Dairy Vet

4. Rumination Monitoring
HR-Tag rumination monitoring system
Loggers
Readers
Software
Source: SCR Engineers Ltd

5. Monitoring for Metabolic Disorders
Transition animals
Visual Observation vs. Rumination Monitoring
Trial validates accuracy
Health Report
Run tests to narrow down
Monitor treatment
Source: Progressive Dairy

6. Progression of Health Reports
Source: SCR Engineers Ltd.

7. Progression of Health Reports
Source: SCR Engineers Ltd.

8. Limitations and Improvements
Must be near the reader
Proper placement of tag necessary
Source: SCR Engineers Ltd.

9. Limitations and Improvements
Large start up costs
Not always associated with illness

10. Summary Rumination monitoring valuable tool
HR-Tag replaces visual observer
Health Reports detect early signs of disease
Save $ with treatments

11. References Progressive Dairyman SCR Engineering Ltd
Journal of Dairy Science “Technical note: Validation of a system for monitoring rumination in dairy cows” (Schirmann et al. 2009)
Hoard’s Dairyman

12. Thank you for listening to my presentation!