THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT ON MICRO-SENSORS TO CONTROL ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE

In the past, several micro- and biosensors were developed. At this moment, only a passive telemetric system is available to record body temperature under practical circumstances on farm. All other sensors are used for fundamental research in laboratories. MONI T system has been tested during several experiments for the last three years. The system consists of three components: an injectable micro transponder with a bioglass capsule, an antenna, and reader. The ear base has been proved as the best place to inject the transponders. This report shows the results of four experiments. In connection with other systems, body temperature can be recorded during total lifetime, without influencing animal movements. Body temperature data give additional information on animal health, production, and reproduction. To interpret these data, the system should be extended by an expert system. The aim of the expert systems must be to support farmer and veterinarian to distinguish physiological and pathological deviations (15).