project - EIP-AGRI Operational Group

Increasing the activity and competitiveness of beef cattle farms through innovative reproduction monitoring

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Ongoing | 2020 - 2022 Lithuania
Ongoing | 2020 - 2022 Lithuania

Objectives

1. To increase the productivity and competitiveness of meat livestock farms, to determine the oestrus of cows  by applying innovative technology of integration of physiological parameters sensors in the bolus;
2. To initiate the implementation of innovative digital algorithms and telemetry tools in Lithuanian meat livestock farms, taking into account the requirements of animal welfare, health, occupational safety and culture;
3. To assess the reproductive characteristics of beef cattle kept on farms in the light of general health and reproductive performance;
4. To improve the reproductive efficiency of beef cattle herds while maintaining the health of breeding or fattening cattle.

Project details
Main funding source
Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups
Rural Development Programme
2014LT06RDNP001 Lithuania - Rural Development Programme (National)
Emplacement
Main geographical location
Kauno apskritis
Other geographical location
Šiaulių apskritis, Alytaus apskritis

EUR 195 862.00

Total budget

Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.

1 Practice Abstracts

Innovative bolus integrated sensor technology will be used to monitor the reproductive process in beef cows and heifers. After the cows introduce bolus to the rumen with temperature and dynamic activity sensors, their measurements will be telemetrically sent to the data collection stations. Using specialized digital and artificial intelligence algorithms, signals characterizing the reproductive condition of cows will be generated and notifications about physiological changes of an individual cow will be sent automatically, which will allow identification of cows' oestrus, onset on calving and health status.

The introduction of bolus-integrated sensors will improve the accuracy and reliability of reproductive diagnostic indicators in beef cows. An oestrus detection system will reduce labor costs compared to oestrus detection by observation. This will primarily encourage beef cattle farmers to use insemination in their herds. Genetic progress will be accelerated due to a greater choice of bull semen. The resulting offspring will be more productive.

For more efficient reproduction and health, it will be possible to increase the productivity of the herd without increasing the number of suckler cows, at the same time more rational use of the local feed base, veterinary and sanitary measures. The implementation of the project will initiate the improvement of the qualification of specialists and the efficiency of their work.

Contacts

Project coordinator

  • Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Animal Science Institue

    Project coordinator

Project partners

  • Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Service

    Project partner