Initiative
Investigate the potential for birthing sensors to alert when calving has occurred and tag calves with digital sensors that allow researchers to identify calf movements and mortality as an agtech initiative to help the NT pastoral industry.
Overview
Researchers investigating the causes of calf mortality are studying the potential of using birthing sensors that send a signal alerting them calving has occurred and also tagging calves with movement sensors and tracking devices to detect calf movement and mortality.
For the most part, the system developed and used by the University of Florida researchers will be transferable, although some modifications will be required due to the larger paddock size and reduced mobile phone coverage in the NT.
Benefits
A system that allows calving to be remotely monitored would assist in investigating the issues surrounding calf mortality, experienced by the NT pastoral industry and could potentially reduce calf loss, a major source of lost income for northern beef producers.
2020 progress update
The research team has developed and deployed a system using new technology to remotely monitor calving and help identify causation and timing of calf loss. On Manbulloo Station, near Katherine, Northern Territory (NT), cattle wear Global Positioning System (GPS) collars and birthing sensors to alert the research team to calving events.