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.
Project keyword
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
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Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Animal Science Institue
Project coordinator
Project partners
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Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Service
Project partner