RDP project database

RDP funding under measure 312 (Support for business creation and development) in Finland has successfully financed the development of software to complement an innovative electronic ear tagging system for the identification and monitoring of cattle

Following the development of a technology for the electronic identification of small pets, the company ‘ID-Import OY’ responded to interest from farmers to apply the same technology to the “tagging” of cattle. Conventional ear tagging and inspection of cattle is time-consuming and hard work. With electronic tagging it is possible to inspect even the largest herds in just a few hours. On more advanced farms it is also possible to use electronic tagging with an automatic (robotic) milking machine.

The aim of the Neuro Cattle project is to develop a versatile electronic system (using wireless technology) that enables the farmer to collect data on his/her cattle directly “in the field”. The electronic tag attached to the animal’s ear contains a memory chip that can be read by a capture device which then uses Bluetooth to connect to a suitable PDA for the editing and/or storage of data.

The project has focused on development of the software needed for collection, processing and storage of the data collected from the electronically tagged cattle (e.g. unique identification number, weight, location, transfers, calving history, veterinary treatment etc.). The software includes the option to send data directly to the official livestock register and is fully compatible with a range of other technologies. Its functionality has been tested on many farms around Finland.

Neuro Cattle simplifies the identification and monitoring of cattle and makes it easier to fulfil a range of official obligations related to livestock management. Electronic tagging and identification is easy compared to traditional approaches, it also greatly reduces the risk of accidents when handling animals, speeds up the routine identification and monitoring of cattle, and consequently leads to savings in both time and money for the farmer.

Electronic ear tagging is an innovation in Finland and more generally across the EU. There is a clear demand for it and a great market opportunity. According to the Managing Director of ID-Import Oy, Pekka Salmela, "Customers have been satisfied with the software. We have had some good ideas for development from them to make the programme even more efficient. There will be a greater need for it in future."

Finland, North Ostrobothnia

Pohjois-Pohjanmaa

Mainland

99 500

https://www.neurocattle.com

Pekka Salmela, ID-Import Oy

pekka.salmela@id-import.com

+358 447 500001

English, Finnish