In dairy farming, the earliest weeks of a calf’s life are the most critical. This period lays the foundation for growth, health, and future milk production. But young calves are vulnerable — especially to illnesses that may not show symptoms until it’s too late. That’s where new technologies, like AI-powered sensors, are changing the game.
Omni Calf by Cattle Care
At Cattle Care, we believe the smartest farming starts at birth. That’s why we created Omni Calf — a smart monitoring system built specifically for newborn calves. Inspired by leading-edge technologies, Omni Calf helps farmers detect health issues early, monitor feeding patterns, and track recovery without relying solely on visual signs.
With real-time alerts and integration into farm management systems, Omni Calf supports fast decision-making and better outcomes. Whether you’re raising 10 or 100 calves, the system helps you reduce losses, streamline care, and build stronger foundations for future production.
Learn more about Omni Calf and how it supports your maternity pen strategy
The other promising example comes from CowManager®, whose Youngstock Module offers a novel way to monitor calf health using ear-mounted sensors. These lightweight devices attach directly to existing RFID tags and begin tracking vital data from day one. Activity levels, body temperature, and feeding or resting behavior are continuously recorded and analyzed by machine learning algorithms trained to identify the earliest signs of illness or distress.
If something unusual is detected — a calf becomes less active, for example, or shows a temperature spike — an alert is sent instantly to the farmer’s phone or computer. No need for routine checks or guesswork. The system works in real time, even if the calf is in an outdoor hutch or group pen.
This technology goes far beyond traditional recordkeeping. It allows farmers to respond quickly and precisely, avoiding unnecessary treatments and improving recovery rates. Healthier calves not only require fewer antibiotics but also have a better chance at long-term productivity.
