Precision farming is transforming beef operations through technologies that enhance cattle and pasture management. This article highlights two key advancements: activity monitoring systems and RFID ear tags.
Activity Monitoring Systems
Originally developed for dairy farming, activity monitoring systems track rumination, eating time, and movement via accelerometers mounted on the ear, neck, or leg. These systems improve artificial insemination (AI) by detecting estrus more accurately than traditional visual methods. Research shows they can identify up to 90% of animals in estrus with 100% accuracy, compared to 77% with visual detection. However, they may not alert producers to non-cycling cows, necessitating manual record checks.
In feedlots, these systems aid early illness detection, particularly for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Decreased activity, feeding, and rumination time can signal BRD days before clinical symptoms appear. While not a standalone diagnostic tool, activity monitoring enhances early disease management when combined with traditional assessments.
These systems require a receiver near high-traffic areas and a computer for data analysis. Some need continuous internet access, while others require only periodic updates. In pasture-based systems, solar-powered receivers can cover up to a mile.
RFID Ear Tags
RFID ear tags streamline data collection and management. They integrate with panel or stick readers for automated weight recording, health tracking, and feeding adjustments. RFID-based feeding systems allow individualized nutrition plans, ensuring optimal growth for first-lactation cows and placement heifers while preventing overfeeding of mature cows.
Conclusion
Activity monitoring systems and RFID ear tags are revolutionizing beef production by enhancing reproductive efficiency, disease detection, and individualized feeding. These technologies offer valuable tools to improve herd management and productivity.
