Using GRAZE™ on other animals.
The algorithms used in GRAZE to distinguish the various types of grazing were
developed to study the foraging behaviour of sheep and cattle.
Extensive validation with observation has been carried out at IGER,
mainly with cows and sheep. However, the system can also be used to
record the oral and locomotive (including lying and standing) behaviour
of any animal above a minimum size. Consequently, the system can be
used in a variety of research fields, including studies on social behaviour,
stress, welfare & husbandry.
Identifying other behaviours
Graze was developed to study the foraging behaviour of cattle and sheep. Consequently, the program is oriented towards studying eating and ruminating, which, on a time basis, are the main two activities found in ruminants. However, it is possible to use Graze to manually identify other jaw movement patterns and their associated behaviours e.g. drinking or eating supplements.
