Using wearable technology we are automatically recording the behaviour of the Blackdown flock of Dorset sheep. This work is providing unprecedented data on behavioural patterns which we are using to improve animal welfare and production.
Motivation for the Blackdown Bio-logging Project
Monitoring individual sheep poses a significant challenge as individuals often spend long periods with little or no direct contact with the farmer. This means it is hard to monitor the health and production (e.g. growth, reproduction) of sheep and the UK sheep industry faces a major challenge in improving both of these outcomes.