New device can let dairy farmers know when a cow needs attention

Device was developed by an Austrian company

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

A new product by an Austrian startup could allow dairy farmers to take the guess work out of determining whether a cow is pregnant, ill or otherwise needs attention.

SmaXtec has developed sensors capable of transmitting health data using wifi. The sensors are lodged in the rumen and track pH levels, movement, and when the cow is in heat.

When significant changes are detected, the farmer receives a text message notification.

“It’s easier, after all, to look at the situation from inside the cow than in the lab,” Stefan Rosenkranz, SmaXtec co-founder, told Bloomberg.

The sensors can predict when a cow will give birth with 95 per cent accuracy, according to Bloomberg.

About 350 farms spread over 24 countries are using the technology. Some dairy producers in Ontario say they’d be interested in putting the device to use.

“Definitely, that sounds like it would be good information,” said Nicole Stewardson, a dairy farmer from near Lambton-Shores, Ontario. “Because if something changes inside (the cow), then you can tell.

“I’d say yes, I would use it.”

The cost to farmers is about $10 per cow, per month.

As a dairy farmer would you put this technology to use on your farm?