| UK Dairy Day
CowAlert introduces automated mobility scoring –
a World First
Entering a new era in cow monitoring.
n automated
mobility scoring
tool, developed
specifically for the
dairy herd, has
been launched by
pioneering cow behaviour
specialists, IceRobotics.
A world first, the new
technology complements the suite
of monitoring tools already
available from IceRobotics’ highly
acclaimed CowAlert system. Using
specialist software, CowAlert
continuously tracks fertility, lying
time, lameness and general animal
health on a 24/7 basis.
The newly-launched mobility
module is designed to replace the
visual scoring method generally
used by farmers which can be
costly, time consuming and
subjective.
Similar to the popular ‘Fitbit’
devices used to track human
activity, CowAlert automatically
records and collects animal
behavioural data through a robust
wireless sensor which is fitted to
the cow’s hind leg where it
A
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captures accurate data on
stepping, activity, standing and
lying time.
Using a unique algorithm, that
analyses each cow’s behaviour.
The farmer can then make a fully
informed decision regarding
intervention and treatment.
“Mobility scoring is a very
important tool when it comes to
monitoring overall herd health and
welfare,” said Douglas Armstrong,
CEO of IceRobotics.
“Until now, visual assessment
was the only option, but its
reliability, consistency and
accuracy is increasingly becoming
questioned. It also places full
responsibility in the hands of the
farmer, stockman or farm manager
which is, difficult, time consuming
and highly subjective.
“CowAlert’s automated scoring
system becomes the farmer’s
‘eyes and ears’, monitoring each
animal’s behaviour round the
clock. The cloud-based system is
easily accessed by the farmer via
his mobile device and can easily
be shared with others such as
vets. In our increasingly
competitive and welfare-focused
times, this gives the farming
community a definite edge.”
Initially developed as a tool for
researchers, and with the
worldwide acclaim from over 80
leading institutes around the
world, CowAlert was developed on
this pedigree and launched to
commercial dairy farmers in 2012.
While it is not considered to be a
replacement for good
stockmanship, it is now a trusted,
round-the-clock support
mechanism, enhancing the
observations of a good farmer or
stockman.
“No-one can monitor their herd
on a 24/7 basis but CowAlert can
do it on your behalf. Ultimately this
helps the farmer better manage his
animals and his time, and through
early detection, he can drive
efficiencies and deliver more
natural interventions. This is not
only good for the farmer but good
for his animals.” Douglas added.
The new CowAlert module will
be available to demo at the UK
Dairy Day event on the 12th
September at The International
Centre, Telford.
August 2018 | Farming Monthly | 27