What if a device worn on a cow’s tail could help farmers know when she’s about to give birth or may be developing a health problem?
A new smart tail ring unveiled at the 33rd Yangling Agricultural Hi-Tech Fair in Shaanxi province on Oct. 25 is designed to do just that. The device combines motion, temperature and pulse-wave sensors to monitor cows’ physical signs and behavior.
Tested on more than 1,800 calving cases, the device achieved an 88% accuracy rate in calving alerts, with the ability to predict the onset of labor up to 2.5 hours in advance. It can also identify potential cases of subclinical mastitis up to 36.5 hours ahead.
At around 300 grams, the ring sends data to an AI model that analyzes cow behavior and health risks and alerts farmers when attention may be needed.
The estimated starting cost is around 1,000 yuan (about $140) per device, which can be rotated among 8–15 cows over a year.
Could smart devices like this change how farmers care for their herds? 🐮
