The fall and winter months usually bring the cold and flu season. We all know how miserable those days can be. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could know we’re getting sick before it becomes coughing, a runny nose, and surviving strictly on Nyquil? Just like it would be nice to have early warnings if we’re sick, it’s also helpful to have that early detection in our cows. Michael Goeldi, head of customer success at smaXtec, says he has a tool that can do just that.
One significant challenge that farmers face is the early detection of mastitis. The conventional methods of detecting mastitis have been effective but often rely on visible clinical signs. This means that treatment may happen after the disease has already taken hold.
Goeldi says, “With the bolus AI-generated alert system, farmers can now identify warning signs of mastitis up to four days before signs appear.”
The bolus monitors the cow’s temperature, rumination activity, and other vital signs. These early alerts allow farmers to use less expensive treatments and provide support to the cow’s immune system, aiding in faster recovery.
“Increased temperature can also signal inflammation, such as metritis or lameness, while temperature decreases can be associated with metabolic disorders like milk fever or ketosis,” explains Goeldi. “The system’s versatility makes it a valuable tool for overall herd health management.”
He adds that while the timeline for realizing cost savings may vary depending on how quickly farmers adapt to the technology, many see a return on their investment within the first year.
“By detecting health issues early and using less antibiotics, farmers improve their cows’ health and their profitability,” says Goeldi. “It’s not just a technological advancement; it could be a game-changer for dairy farming.”
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