Connected Cow - Enabling Production Optimisation and Animal Welfare
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | STABLESURE AB - STABLESURE AB Stockholm |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | December 2015 - June 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The goal has been to create an automated solution that in real time monitor pH, ammonium and temperature in the rumen of cows. We have shown that it is possible to collect data from inside the rumen but there are challenges with long-term measurements. This mainly due to sensor elements that are not able to give stable measurement results without calibration in between the measurements. Another challenge has been to find sensors that can measure ammonium in the aggressive environment of the rumen.
Expected results and effects
The project has developed a prototype that can measure pH, temperature and motion from inside the rumen. The information has then been sent to a cloud-based database. Information could then be retrieved and presented to the users through a computer. The next step is to make long-term measurements without calibration in between. Collected data must then be evaluated to secure that diary production increases and that fodder consumption decreases together with an increase animal welfare for the cows.
Planned approach and implementation
The project has been conducted through a close collaboration between StableSure and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, where focus has been on technology, practical measurements and business models. The overall goal has been to evaluate the commercial and technical requirements for a product launch. The project has shown that the product has a very high potential, which in turn has lead to an application to the Swedish Board of Agriculture for the creation of an innovation group with an increased number of actors, to benefit the company, the academy and the diary farmers.