Farm tests heat detection technology

A project underway on a Saskatchewan farm is testing technology that determines when a cow is in heat.

SenseHub Cow-Calf is new for the beef sector, although the dairy industry has used the technology for a while.

Dr. Sam Wauer, associate director of cattle veterinary services at Merck Animal Health, said an Allflex Sense Hub ear tag placed in a female at least two weeks before she is due to be bred will collect data 24-7.

The tag establishes a baseline from movement and behaviour data points, and a change in that baseline indicates the optimum breeding window. The producer’s phone will receive an alert and the ear tag will flash when that occurs.

The year 2015 was just before a national election – which have major influences on policy paths, administration goals, and how farmers feel about their future.