Wearable Sensor Detects Sheep Lameness

Jan-17-18 A wearable sensor designed for sheep detects lameness before the condition becomes irreversible.

Footrot in sheep, which can cause lameness, has been detected in 90 percent of flocks in the UK. But because sheep are prey animals, they will try to disguise the condition when they feel threatened—allowing the disease to progress and even spread to rest of the flock.

Developed by a team at the University of Nottingham, the sensor attaches to the sheep’s ear, where its onboard gyroscope and accelerometer monitor the animal’s motions. Specialized algorithms then interpret the data, triggering an alert if it identifies the early signs of lameness.

Image credit: University of Nottingham

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[NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK]

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