Validation of an alternate method for monitoring the presence of cows at the feed bunk in a Calan Broadbent Feeding System using a 3-axis, data-logging accelerometer.

Daily dry matter intake is a key observation in dairy nutrition, and observation of feeding behavior provides insight into the physiological control of hunger and satiety that regulate intake. The objective of the study was to develop and validate an alternative method to observe feeding behavior, including meal length and frequency, in a Calan Broadbent Feeding System (American Calan) using a 3-axis accelerometer (Hobo Pendant G, Onset Computer Corp.).