Bluetooth Low Energy-Based Novel Power Efficient Buffalo Calving Detection Solution

Abstract

This letter focuses on tackling the challenge of accurately determining the timing of buffalo calving while prioritizing power efficiency. To achieve this, a novel, compact, lightweight and power efficient device is designed for buffalo comfort and can be conveniently attached to the tail. The device wirelessly transmits data to a gateway using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This functionality becomes particularly crucial when the tail movement increases in the last 12 hrs before calving and is regarded as a key behavioral indicator for predicting the onset of labor. Moreover, when an accelerometer is tied to the buffalo’s tail, the Z axis, which represents the vertical axis perpendicular to ground is anticipated to show the most notable deflections during this period as discussed in the literature. Thus, to conserve power, data is only transmitted when significant tail movement is detected, typically 12 hrs before calving, i.e., when Mean Z >-3 m/ $s^{2}$ . This approach reduces the device’s power consumption, extending its battery life to more than 6.08 years (approx.) using 620 mAh / 3V battery.