The IceTag sensor was developed to meet the specific needs of researchers wishing to record livestock activity and monitor behaviour. It has been used worldwide by leading livestock researchers since 2005. A list of recent research using the IceTag can be found here
The lower cost IceQube sensor is based on the successful IceTag platform and was introduced in 2010 to provide a sensor appropriate for both research use and commercial farm application. The devices are designed to be compatible with each other, providing flexibility in data collection.
The IceTag and IceQube sensors have been designed to meet the challenges of the farm environment, with a rugged housing and reusable and adjustable strap. They are waterproof to IP67 standard. Since 2010 the manufacturing process has been fully registered and accredited to BS EN ISO 9001:2008 Quality Standard, giving the user further confidence in the quality and reliability of the IceTag and the IceQube.
At the core of the IceTag and IceQube is a 3-axis accelerometer, which provides highly detailed information on the cow’s movements and behaviour. Data is stored on the devices for up to 60 days and is downloaded wirelessly.
The IceTag and IceQube are attached to a rear leg of an animal and provide detailed information on standing, stepping and lying activities, lying bout analysis and the MotionIndex of the animal. The MotionIndex is a proprietary measure of the overall activity of the animal, as measured in three dimensions.
