Joining is a crucial time, as it sets the stage for the next generation of healthy and productive cows in your herd.
Good heat detection is essential in getting the best results possible for your business.
But spotting a cow on heat can be time-consuming, especially with bigger herds. This small orange ear tag can do wonders for your preg rates — and your workload.
With CowManager you’re likely to never miss a heat. When cows are tagged with the orange ear sensor, the system recognises peak heats, pregnancies, non-cycling cows and potential abortions.
The system also helps you keep detailed records of all your cows’ cycles. This way you can keep detailed records of everything leading up to, during, and after joining.
Record insemination dates, sire information and any fertility testing results. This will help you analyse results and help identify risks.
Plus, your future self will be eternally grateful to you for being so thorough without having to put in any extra effort.
So how does such a small orange ear tag have such huge impact?
The ear sensor fits around an official animal identification RFID tag or blank tag and stays put thanks to an effective attachment mechanism.
In a single action, you can place the sensor in a cow’s ear. It’s easy to remove and attach to another cow too.
Victorian dairy farmer Brett Membrey has used the orange ear tags for years now. The system has changed his way of working for the better.
“With different staff members milking each day, the chances of missing heats or drafting cows not on heat increased dramatically,” Brett said.
“We were spending six to seven hours a day heat detecting while milking. With CowManager, it takes 10 minutes a day — and now we’re getting it right.”
The data from the ear sensors is measured and collected 24/7 in real-time. Data is then transmitted from the sensors and collected by wireless routers, which can be placed anywhere inside or outside.
All data is sent to the user’s PC and smartphone. It’s as easy as getting a text message.
Trevor Shanahan farms in south-west Victoria and also uses the CowManager system.
“CowManager gives us more accurate timing of heats and we can AI accordingly. It gives us greater certainty when using sexed semen and makes it more effective and economical,” Trevor said.
“Also, the ear tag is easy to get on and off and it’s less intrusive than a collar.”
The technology also gives real-time information about the herd’s health, nutritional status and how cows are doing during transition. Whenever something’s the matter, users will receive an alert to point out which cow needs attention and why.
This allows dairy farmers to check on their herd, anytime and anywhere. And having something that gives you peace of mind is quite priceless.
“Joining is less stressful. It sorts itself out,” Trevor said.
“There are no big AI days like there were when we used hormones. We let them cycle naturally and we can manage our workload better.
“It’s an easier way of doing things and it allows us to pay more attention to the care of individual cows. We have better control. We can keep an eye on them, and nothing slips through the cracks.”
For more information, visit: https://www.cowmanager.com/australia
– From CowManager