Text dating for cows?
Tests are underway in Switzerland, on a gadget through which cows can communicate when they are ‘in heat’ by sending a text to the farmer.
The electronic heat detector is a series of sensors, some of which are implanted in the genitals to measure small changes to body heat. Others are placed around the neck to measure body motion, as another sign that a cow is in heat is that it becomes agitated.
A SIM card in the gadget means that when the time is right a text will be sent to the farmer. So less time spent using visual inspection to determine the best time to bring in the bull.
It is hoped that if the device works it will improve fertility rates “quite dramatically” according to Bruce Woodacre a leading British cow consultant and would increase the annual yield of every cow.
- 30th October 2012
