An artificial intelligence-powered calving monitoring system, which is claimed to be a world first, was showcased at this year’s Dairy Day event. The innovative system, called Lely’s Zeta AI, combines artificial intelligence and algorithms to gather a wide range of data aimed at enhancing cow welfare and streamlining staffing needs during calving.
The Zeta system is a standalone unit that can be mounted above the calving pen. It consists of a camera, an LED light, and an onboard mini-computer. By connecting the unit to the AI software via a data cable and power supply, the advanced AI can utilize machine learning to identify various stages of labor in cows and detect contractions based on patterns of behavior.
Farmers have the convenience of monitoring the calving process in real-time through a live feed on their smartphones. They can receive notifications for contraction scores, active labor, and any signs of complications. The system’s LED light ensures continuous monitoring, even at night, without disturbing the cows with a “full moon” mode.
In addition to calving monitoring, the Zeta system also offers barn monitoring capabilities. It can detect signs of oestrus by analyzing feeding behaviors, walking patterns, and shed locations. Furthermore, the system can track individual cows and regulate interactions between cows and robots in the shed.
As the Zeta system undergoes final testing phases, more functionalities are expected to be added, including monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), cow welfare, and productivity. While the system is currently being trialed on eight farms in the Netherlands, UK farmers can anticipate the calving module to be available by 2026. The pricing model, based on a unit cost plus ongoing subscription, is yet to be confirmed.
Moreover, Lely has introduced a sand-flushing system for their robotic manure collectors to address challenges associated with sand bedding. The automated slurry collectors in sand-bedded systems often face issues with sediment accumulation in the collection tank, requiring manual removal. The new flushing system, compatible with Discovery Collector C1 and C2 models, prevents sand build-up by automatically flushing out sediment at dumping stations.
According to Lely’s Andrew Wilson, the sand-flushing system is a game-changer for dairy farms utilizing sand bedding. With the prevalence of sand bedding in the UK, this technology offers a solution to a significant portion of the dairy market. Approximately 30-40% of cows in the UK are currently bedded on sand, making this innovation accessible to a wide range of dairy farmers.