Artificial intelligent, cloud-based apps, algorithms and remote sensing are increasingly common in the livestock sector.  A new generation of management sensors are hitting the market.  Selecting the best choice for your cows and your businesses is important.

The first-generation dairy monitors had one job to do, oestrus detection.  With a reduction in oestrus intensity increasing pressure on staff, the market for fertility sensors was created.  Simple analog pedometers, calculated the movement activity between milkings to diagnose heat.  These systems required a close-range local network between sensor and receiver (around 2 metres).  Through technology advancement, devices can now offer live real time monitoring and cannot only diagnose oestrus but also other health threats.

Today’s sensors generally work upon similar hardware makeup to collect raw data, by using digital accelerometers in conjunction with other sensors such as thermometers.  Devices can measure and decode the body movements of an animal, such as bulling, lameness and rumination.  The raw data can be offloaded over distance to a router using RF (radio frequency) Bluetooth, WIFI or GSM (global system for mobile communication) technology to a cloud-based algorithm.  The algorithm decodes the raw data and converts into management information sent either to an app or as a text message, meaning cattle behaviour can be monitored from anywhere.

The technology aims to improve fertility, sickness detection and abnormal behaviour by tracking feeding rumination/intake rates, lying and movement enabling detection of abnormal behaviour.  Some sensors such as Moocall are designed for a specific purpose like calving.

The table below summarises some of the main features from the leading providers of equipment.

The table above illustrates the abilities of the current technologies against first generation pedometers.  CowManager, Silent Herdsman and SmaXtec offer similar products in their technical capability and pricing.  CowManager and SmaXtec have a technical advantage in monitoring more aspects of a dairy cow’s activity, alongside a more user-friendly operating system.  The design of either a bolus or replaceable ear tag, instead of a collar system, will improve device retention rates.

For more information, contact William at williamgroom@fcgagric.com