This not mean we have to gather a lot of new data, as the technology also entails us to look at existing (old) data in new ways.
“Indeed, the landscape of technology is changing and there are a lot of players getting involved in livestock technology. New use of existing dataīut it is not per se needed to gather a lot of new data, says Dr Bewley. The costs are fixed and spread across more animals (compared to sensors for each cow for example),” according to Dr Bewley. “The benefits of image based technology is that a lot of data can be gathered simultaneously, if you invest in one camera for example.
This allows us to have real time measurements which can help the farmer limit the variability in forages, by doing real-time adjustments in the dry matter content for example.” The more recent developments include the use of drones, to hover over a silage pile and measure inventory levels, virtual fencing technologies and the use of imagery, and video to measure feeding behaviour or to use in genetic analysis to measure breeding phenotype traits such as udder depth in a more objective way. We also see great things happening with NIR technology within the mixing and loading wagon. Think of systems that automatically prepare the feed and deliver this to the cows. Also precision feeding systems are being used more. This allows us to better house calves in groups and with that stimulate the natural behaviour of the animals. Bewley: “Think of the development of automated calf feeding systems. Photo: Herbert Wiggermanīut the market is moving fast. This will increase the amount of data that becomes available to the farmer,” he says.ĭairy farms are becoming larger and this challenges the craftsmanship of dairy farmers to keep the cows healthy and productive. Now we are entering a new phase in milking where parts of the conventional rotary and parallel parlours are being automated. “Automated milking systems (milking robots) have been around for quite some years now and have changed the way we dairy. Dr Bewley explained that a lot of new technologies for agriculture are already on the market. It becomes even more interesting if data from multiple sources are being brought in for data analytics. This can help to better manage animals at group or herd level. Being able to measure certain variables (such as rumination or lying time) across time gives us more interesting insights than measuring certain data only when needed. In the end it all comes down to monitor individual cows over a longer period of time to spot possible causes of a certain disease or behaviour and to see anomalies”. Cows talk to use via different ways and with sensor or other technology we are able to pick up these data and see trends. But to get a grip on this we need technology. We gather data on behaviour, estrus, mastitis, fresh cow disease, lameness, calving and genetic traits. The technology and the smart use of new and old data will help us with these challenges.” Measuring variables over timeĭr Bewley: “We have lot of information about the animal. Think of increased pressure and regulation on animal welfare and environment. The technology and data will help us find answers and solutions for the challenges that dairy farmers face today. The use of data analytics is in my opinion the next breakthrough for our sector. “In livestock farming we already made massive improvements and scientific breakthroughs when it comes to animal nutrition, genetics and animal health. He sees data analytics as the next scientific breakthrough for our industry. “By using technology, we will be able to take agriculture to new heights and this is changing the way we run a dairy farm,” said Bewley. This means that it is not a question of if we can produce enough food in the future, because we simply will. And we are just at the beginning, considering that agriculture is the least digitised sector out there. There are many opportunities for technology and data in the dairy industry. An increasing amount of technology and tools are coming to market that help dairy farmers to do just that and help them to get the best out of the animals. Photo: Herbert Wiggermanĭairy farms are becoming larger and this challenges the craftsmanship of dairy farmers to keep the cows healthy and productive. around the neck and leg) can pick up these data and see trends.
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