ICAR/IDF initiative: Guidelines and reference standards for using rumination sensor data in animal health and welfare recording
Authors: C. Egger-Danner and I. Klaas and L. Brito and J. Bewley and V. Cabrera and N. Gengler and M. Haskel and B. Heringstad and M. Hostens and M. Iwersen and A. Schodl and K. Stock and A. Stygar and E. Vasseur
Date: 2025-08-01
Status: Published
On-farm sensor data offers new opportunities for animal health and welfare assessment when used along the dairy value chain, thus improving transparency and sustainability in the dairy sector. The aim of the joint ICAR IDF initiative is to develop guidelines to facilitate use of sensor data for improving animal health and welfare. The joint initiative consists of different stakeholder groups, scientists, breeding organizations and manufacturers and has the goal to develop: Definitions and terminology for health conditions and behaviors measured with sensor systemsStandards to facilitate data exchange along the dairy value chain following acknowledged ICAR and IDF principles Guidelines for best practices on data collection, handling and analysis for use in genetics, health and welfare assessmentRecommendations and protocols for testing sensor performanceFirst results from the use case sensor-based rumination data will be presented, recommendations on use of rumination data, key performance indicators and references standards for animal health and welfare assessment given. The close collaboration between the relevant stakeholders in the joint ICAR/IDF initiative enables development of guidelines considering industry needs while promoting use of sensor data along the dairy value chain.