| Physical activity data from two groups of steers were collected utilizing the Animal Monitoring and Tracking System (AMATS). The AMATS device uses a 360° triple axis accelerometer for recording motion in the form of counts per minute (CPM). Analysis indicates general behavior can be inferred from data output. Steers that became morbid showed a statistically significant decrease in overall physical activity of ∼25% as compared to steers that remained healthy the entire time. Temporal analysis of physical activity data indicated that the AMATS allowed for the identification of morbid animals 1 -- 3 days before traditional human observational methods, with a sensitivity of 79.3% and a specificity of 47.6%. The early identification of morbid animals will improve health outcomes, increase marketability, and will minimize the inappropriate use of antibiotics which lead to antibiotic resistance.;KEYWORDS: Cattle, Sickness Behavior, Temporal Analysis, Physical Activity, Health Status. |
