AI system reads a cow’s face to detect fever
Plus, GPS collars can track bull behavior to predict breeding success.
University of Arkansas researchers developed CattleFever, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that uses RGB-thermal imaging to estimate cattle body temperature within one degree of accuracy of that of a rectal thermometer reading. The system requires cattle to face the camera head-on in a chute to capture facial thermal data, focusing on temperature readings from the eyes and nostrils.
While currently limited to controlled environments, the technology offers a noninvasive alternative to rectal thermometers and could enable early disease detection before symptoms appear.
Read more here.
GPS collars track bull behavior to predict breeding success
University of Calgary researchers are using behavior-tracking collars with GPS, accelerometers and proximity sensors to monitor cattle health and reproductive outcomes. Their four-year study revealed that bulls displaying more activity and social engagement before breeding season sired significantly more calves. The same collar technology, researchers showed, can also detect lameness earlier than visual observation.
Read more here.
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Dutch companies integrate dairy herd management platforms
Uniform-Agri and Nedap have connected their herd management systems, allowing dairy farmers to access Nedap Now fertility and health insights directly within the Uniform-Agri platform. Farmers using the classic Nedap heat detection system can now transition to Nedap Now without losing functionality. The integration consolidates data from both systems to simplify workflows, reduce duplicate data entry and support faster decision-making. The connection is now available across all Uniform-Agri products.
Motion-activated eartag with built-in lights deters predators from livestock
Utah State University researchers have developed FlashTags motion-activated LED eartags that emit random light patterns to deter predators, primarily coyotes and wolves. Testing showed livestock survival increased even when only 10%-30% of a herd wore the tags. Researchers noted predators generally avoid novel stimuli, and the tags have also shown effectiveness against mountain lions, bobcats and bears. Further study will determine whether predators eventually become habituated to the lights and if design improvements can enhance the devices’ durability.
Read more here.
Saskatchewan company seeks out ranchers to test
AI-enabled eartags
Ori AI Technologies is recruiting cattle producers to pilot-test its new AI-enabled eartags at $35 per tag – roughly half the expected retail price of $68. The tags provide calving alerts with approximately 95% accuracy, heat detection, illness monitoring, predator disturbance warnings, geofence escape alerts and grazing pattern analysis. The system also uses what the company calls “emotional AI” to read biometrics and establish behavioral baselines.
Read more here.
New system lets cows graze safely among solar panels, prevents damage
Silicon Ranch has developed CattleTracker, a system enabling cattle to graze near solar installations without damaging equipment. Each cow wears a tracking device, and when the herd approaches solar panels, the system automatically tilts arrays horizontally so animals can pass underneath. This approach lets ranchers generate additional income from solar grazing agreements while the panels provide shade for livestock. This technology solves a major concern of ranchers with solar panels – that curious cattle will rub against or play with panels, potentially causing damage.
Read more here.
News reports were summarized from original sources with AI and edited by the author.