Behavioral Responses and Adaptation of Cattle Exposed to Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles

Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly widespread in agriculture over the past few years, particularly in crop protection, and more recently in livestock production. However, practical information remains limited regarding how UAV operational parameters influence cattle behavior and how animals respond to repeated UAV exposure. Establishing flight conditions that enable effective observation while minimizing disturbance is therefore important for the animal-welfare-oriented implementation of UAV-based herd monitoring. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavioral responses and stress reactions of cattle under different drone flight parameters (flight altitude and speed) and to evaluate habituation to repeated UAV overflights.

Two DJI Mavic 3T drones were used to collect photographic and video recordings of cattle behaviour. Observations were conducted in three experimental groups, each consisting of at least 10 animals. Behavioral changes were assessed using a visual behavior-scoring system.

Higher flight altitudes (>30 m AGL) combined with lower flight speed (3 m/s) elicited lower responses while still providing sufficient resolution for effective animal observation. In the case of repeated flights, significant habituation was observed in all groups exposed to overflights over time. Some differences were observed between different breeds, while there was no significant difference in the case of age and sex.

The results of this study contribute to the development of cattle-adapted UAV operating protocols and best management practices (BMPs), supporting the safe, effective, and animal-welfare-oriented application of drone-based herd monitoring.