Pervasive Sensing for Livestock Health and Activity Monitoring: Current Methods and Techniques

Abstract: Pervasive sensing is transforming health and activity monitoring by enabling continuous and automated data collection through advanced sensing modalities. While extensive research has been conducted on human subjects, its application in livestock remains underexplored. In large-scale agriculture, real-time monitoring of biological signals and behavioral patterns can facilitate early disease detection, optimize feeding and breeding strategies, and ensure compliance with welfare standards. This survey examines key sensing technologies -- including structural vibration, radio frequency (RF), computer vision, and wearables -- highlighting their benefits and challenges in livestock monitoring. By comparing these approaches, we provide insights into their effectiveness, limitations, and potential for integration into modern smart farming systems. Finally, we discuss research gaps and future directions to advance pervasive sensing in livestock health and activity monitoring.