Smart Livestock Tech: How Wearable Sensors Are Transforming Cattle Health Monitoring
Veterinary professionals are beginning to see the impact of precision agriculture technologies in daily herd management. At Wagner Farms in Shawano County, Wisconsin, farmers are using CowManager smart ear sensors to monitor health, reproduction, and performance in real time—providing veterinarians with valuable data for preventive care and herd health programs.
How the Technology Works
These wearable ear sensors continuously track:
Body temperature – Early alerts for fever and infectious disease.
Feeding and activity levels – Identifies subtle changes in behavior that may signal illness before clinical signs appear.
Reproductive cycles – Detects estrus and ovulation for more efficient breeding programs.
Real-time data transmission – Information is sent directly to a smartphone, giving caretakers and veterinarians an early warning system for health concerns.
According to farm manager Laura Raatz, the sensors often detect illness before visible symptoms appear, allowing faster intervention and reducing morbidity.
Benefits for Herd Health and Veterinary Care
Earlier detection of disease leads to improved outcomes and reduced reliance on antimicrobials.
Continuous calf monitoring—Wagner Farms applies sensors as early as one week of age, when animals are most vulnerable.
Improved welfare—Real-time insights enable more responsive, individualized care.
Support for veterinary decision-making—Data trends can help veterinarians design herd health protocols, optimize treatment timing, and evaluate intervention success.
Implications for Veterinary Practice
While wearable livestock sensors cannot replace diagnostics or biosecurity protocols, they provide a critical surveillance tool that enhances disease detection, reproductive management, and overall animal welfare. For veterinarians, this technology represents an opportunity to integrate precision livestock farming (PLF) data into herd health programs and client consultations.
Original article here: https://www.nbc26.com/news/local-news/move-over-fitbit-farmers-now-have-smart-tech-for-cows
