Wearable equine biosensing technologies : towards health management innovations

Currently, the equine industry is facing significant challenges in health and reproductive management due to a combination of labor shortages and the increasing demand for precise health monitoring. To address these challenges, this dissertation focuses on the development of advanced wearable biosensing technologies tailored for equine health and reproductive management. The goal is to provide equine managers and veterinarians with tools that can enhance the monitoring of vital signs and reproductive biomarkers, ultimately improving overall equine welfare. This dissertation consists of five chapters, each exploring different aspects of bio signal analysis and sensor integration. Chapter 1 introduces background of research. Chapter 2 delves into the design and development of a wearable Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for non-invasive equine heart rate monitoring, examining its architecture and signal acquisition capabilities. Chapter 3 presents the results of deploying the PPG sensor in real-world settings, assessing its accuracy and reliability compared to traditional methods. Chapter 4 shifts focus to the integration of PPG within a networked Internet of Things (IoT) system designed for comprehensive monitoring of equine herds, emphasizing improvements in data transmission and animal welfare. Chapter 5 discusses the outcomes of the IoT system deployment, analyzing its effectiveness in tracking equine health metrics and providing actionable insights into herd behaviors. Finally, Chapter 6 summarizes the key findings, discusses the implications for future advancements in equine biosensing technologies, and suggests directions for further research. This dissertation contributes to the field of equine health management by introducing innovative biosensing solutions that aim to realize the precision equine management and improve their welfare.