From wearable biomedical devices to RFID ear tags, and AI-powered sensors, the people who care for today’s dairy cows often use some very high-tech tools. A recent New York Times article highlights the use of technology, data, and connectivity to keep California dairy cows healthy. With precise attention to detail, dairy farmers and their employees work to ensure optimal nutrition, health, and comfort for each animal.

On many farms, health signals that may have previously gone undetected are being monitored thanks to high-tech ear tags and collars worn by cows. Biomedical devices like these can track cow digestion with a motion sensor that monitors chewing and then sends data to an algorithm that follows a cow's natural digestion process. If the timing of digestion is abnormal, or a cow's appetite or milk production are suppressed, the data is flagged automatically within a few hours. Collars can also detect when cows are ready to be bred and if breathing patterns are abnormal. More advanced systems can directly monitor a cow’s temperature. This information, provided via computer and mobile app notifications, helps farmers to quickly identify cows that might be getting sick, so they can provide proactive care.

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Many other high-tech animal care tools are available today. This includes sorting gates that read identification tags and direct cows into groups based on health data. However, even with all the tools, it’s a team of people who actually administer care, keeping cows healthy and comfortable. California dairy farmers consult regularly with certified cow nutrition experts to ensure animals receive highly nutritious diets that provide an optimal blend of forages, grains, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Many farms employ a full-time nutritionist. Farmers also work closely with veterinarians, who help ensure animals are examined regularly. Employees keep an eye on cows each day, often giving special remedies to individual cows, like probiotics at the onset of a potential illness.