The MooCall motion detector is placed on the tail of a pregnant female about three to four days before expected calving. When the cow or heifer is about to calve, she moves her tail in a specific way - something that MooCall picks up in the system.
Photo: Pexels
Description
Moocall is a motion detector that uses AI to detect when a female animal is due to calve. Moocall is attached to the tail of a pregnant female about three to four days before expected calving, and then you download an app, enter your phone number and email. When the cow or heifer is about to calve and has contractions, she moves her tail in a special way. This is read by the motion detector, which collects 600 different data points every second.
An algorithm interprets the collected data and when a threshold is reached, the carer receives a text message, email and an in-app notification of increased activity. If activity continues, keepers receive another notification. Monitoring calving can reduce complications and mortality around calving. Today, Moocall costs €299 and can be ordered online.
Disadvantages include still having to know the estimated calving date, which can be difficult in herds that don't sow.
