January 7, 2020

New device detects start of breeding cow's heat cycle

A device that can detect the breeding cycle of cows has been developed by Indian dairy technology solutions provider Prompt Equipments, with help from the Indian Institute of Technology (ITT).

The wearable belt, called "BovSmart", uses Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for timely detection of the onset of a cow's heat cycle, BusinessLine reported.

Knowing the start of a cow's heat cycle is important in that breeding cows that aren't in heat or not at the peak of the heat cycle leads to low fertility and, consequently, to financial and economic loss to the owner.

The device sends signals of cow's heat cycle to a receiver, which alerts the system, and the company then sends these alerts to farmers in the form of an SMS on their mobile app, as per report.

Upon receiving the alert, a cattle owner may decide to artificially inseminate his animal, thus reducing the calving intervals as well as the expenses.

"We have collaborated with IIT-Kanpur and IIT-Mumbai for developing more innovative products and solutions that ensure improved productivity. The software leads to better animal health, and improved productivity", said Shridhar Mehta, director of Prompt Equipment.

The cost of the belt is 4,500 Indian rupees (US$62.62) and the receiver would cost ₹70,000 ($974.45). A receiver collects the real-time data and acts as an activity monitor of the animal.