Brynllech Project update - July 2024
After reviewing eight different available cattle monitoring systems, Rhodri and Claire came to the conclusion that the Allflex SenseHub Beef was the closest to matching their needs.
The system consists of a portable base unit connected to intelligent monitoring of ear tags which use advanced electronics to constantly measure subtle activity and behavioural patterns associated with fertility status and rumen function to determine when cows and heifers are in heat, when they are showing irregular heat patterns, or to provide an early warning of behaviours related to ill health or distress.
In June 2024, the portable base unit, including a solar panel and mobile data connectivity were installed on an ATV trailer so it can be moved around the farm with the cattle. The base unit must be within line of sight of the tags and connect at least once every 24 hours to synchronise data. Due to the rugged terrain at Brynllech, the portable base unit will allow data to be transmitted in real-time when cattle are out on grass and not within line of site of the housing
- Early July saw all breeding cattle tagged and loaded onto the system and data collection started within the first few weeks following tagging are used to develop algorithms to determine ‘normal’ behaviour.
Find out more on this topic:
AgriTech 4.0: Future perspectives for technology | Farming Connect