Sensor technology, genetics and genomics brought together to improve individual cow health
Zoetis, CowManager® and Select Sires Inc. today announced the launch of a strategic collaboration to integrate genomic tools and predictive sensor systems. The goal of this collaboration is to create value for cattle producers in farm management through better advice supported by more accurate, intelligent cow data. When producers can make efficient, more informed decisions on-farm, they may ultimately achieve better cow health outcomes and business results.
Combining DNA Predictions, Real-time Analytics and Mating in One Convenient Space Through traits and indexes developed by Zoetis — including the Dairy Wellness Profit Index® (DWP$®) — and CowManager’s ear sensor technology, farmers will have access to accurate information on health, fertility, nutritional insights and location.
“Many cattle producers are already on the cutting edge of leveraging precision agriculture to sustain and improve their herd,” said Jason Osterstock, Vice President, Precision Animal Health, Zoetis. “The combination of our DNA tools with CowManager’s sensor technology can afford producers the ability to make quicker actionable decisions in real time.”
As part of the collaboration, the team at CowManager will initially work to integrate DNA tool data from Zoetis into the CowManager dashboard to provide access to critical animal information, such as health and fertility events.
“We are beyond proud and look forward to combining forces with these two other industry captains,” said Guus Oostveen, CEO, CowManager. “Together, we strive to conduct in-depth research and tackle agricultural challenges to provide farmers with more in-depth cow data. This can not only help farmers worldwide prepare for the future and increase their herd health — it can also help them to run their businesses more successfully.”
The three-way collaboration also brings industry-leading support and expertise to help producers integrate management solutions to achieve desired outcomes. By combining on-farm analytics and increased reliability in genetic selection, improved herd management can be achieved.
“Our history with both CowManager and Zoetis has been a positive combination for producers, as they use monitoring technology from CowManager as well as genomic testing and the resulting Dairy Wellness traits from Zoetis,” said Todd Kranz, chief development officer, Select Sires Inc. “We look forward to continued cooperation and the resulting benefits for our dairy and beef customers.”
Cattle producers are encouraged to reach out to local Zoetis, Select Sires, or CowManager representatives to stay included in upcoming advancements around this exciting new collaboration.