Thursday, 15 December 2022 09:00

Smartwatch for cows

Written by  Milking It

Cows on farms could soon have their health, reproductive readiness and location monitored by smart technology powered by the kinetic energy of the animal’s movements.

Researchers from China, writing in the journal iScience, have designed a wearable smart device for cows that captures the kinetic energy created by their smallest movements. The technology is housed in a scallop-shaped shell, which is attached to a cow’s ankle or neck.

An electromagnetic generator converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is storied in a lithium battery that powers the wireless monitors.

Information can then be gathered, including the amount of exercise the animal gets, reproductive cycles, disease, oxygen concentration, air temperature, humidity and milk production, helping ensure good health and improving breeding productivity.

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