Association of NEDAP Neck and Leg Tags Monitoring Behaviors as Indicators for the Diagnosis of Health Disorder During the Transition Period in Buffaloes

Quddus, Ray Adil; Khan, Asfand Yar; Muneeb, Muhammad

doi:10.21608/ejvs.2025.339374.2514

Association of NEDAP Neck and Leg Tags Monitoring Behaviors as Indicators for the Diagnosis of Health Disorder During the Transition Period in Buffaloes

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Livestock Management, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences Lahore, Pakistan

² Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan

10.21608/ejvs.2025.339374.2514

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various health disorders on feeding, rumination, and lying behaviors in buffaloes using NEDAP leg and neck tags. A total of 30 buffaloes were equipped with these monitoring devices 30 days prior to their expected calving dates. Four health disorders were observed among the enrolled buffaloes: lameness (n=3), mastitis (n=7), dystocia (n=5), and dystocia accompanied by metritis (n=2). Behavioral data related to feeding, rumination, and lying were collected from 11 days before to 11 days after calving. The results demonstrated a significant reduction (P<0.0001) in feeding and rumination behaviors in buffaloes affected by lameness, mastitis, and dystocia, compared to healthy individuals. Additionally, lying time increased significantly (P<0.01) in buffaloes with lameness and mastitis, indicating discomfort or restlessness due to leg pain and udder inflammation, respectively. In cases of dystocia, lying behavior peaked on the day of calving (P<0.01), likely due to labor-related discomfort, followed by a gradual decline postpartum. Buffaloes experiencing metritis following dystocia exhibited the most pronounced behavioral disruptions between days +3 and +7 postpartum compared to healthy controls. In conclusion, the study highlights that feeding, rumination, and lying behaviors are significantly influenced by various health disorders. Furthermore, the use of NEDAP technology proved highly effective in monitoring these behavioral changes, offering valuable insights for improving health management in buffaloes at the farm level.

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