Cowlar, a startup based in Pakistan, has - through its parent company, e4 Technologies - developed a wearable tracking device that can be used on cows and buffaloes.

The product would help Pakistani farmers to raise milk yields by up to 15%, the company claims.

Umer Adan, co-founder of Cowlar, emphasised the importance of the device as cows "in heat" are often left undetected. As a result, the animals are not inseminated timely, leading to lower milk production. 

The Cowlar device could monitor the temperature and behavior of cows through motion sensors. It is also able to tell if the cow is eating, sleeping or involved in other key activities. The data is then transmitted into an algorithm which determines factors like animal health, predicted heat cycle and any irregularities in behavior.

Cowlar's recent trials in Pakistan have been fairly successful, with milk yields increased by 8% to 14%, according to Adan.

"Even if you increase the average yield by 5%, it can add US$1 billion to Pakistan's economy every year," he added.

While the product is still in its beta phase, about 1,000 devices were sold so far. Cowlar is also attracting overseas interests from parties in Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria and Ireland, Adnan said. The company plans to improve the product locally before venturing into international sales. 

- Tech in Asia