Design of Density-Variable Devices for Excretable Rumen Sensors for Cattle

We have proposed a density-variable device to realize a rumen sensor for cattle that can be excreted after a period of use. The density-variable device consists of a combination of absorbent polymer and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) attached to a weight to be excreted. The absorbent polymer enclosed in the PDMS membrane absorbs the rumen fluid to increase its volume, then the overall density of the device is reduced to a density that allows excretion from the rumen. In the design, we have identified the theoretical added volume to achieve the target density, the appropriate fluid absorption method, and the possible design ranges for the parameters of PDMS membrane thickness and amount of absorbent polymer. The results show that the proposed structure and design method can be adapted to excretable rumen sensors.

Automated summary

A density-variable device has been proposed for a rumen sensor for cattle that can be excreted after use. The device is composed of absorbent polymer and PDMS, which increases its volume by absorbing rumen fluid and ultimately reduces its overall density for excretion. The study identifies the theoretical added volume, appropriate fluid absorption method, and possible design ranges for PDMS membrane thickness and amount of absorbent polymer. The results demonstrate that the proposed structure and design method are suitable for excretable rumen sensors.