Merck Launches New Activity Monitoring Technology, SENSEHUB Dairy Youngstock

Merck has announced the launch of their new activity monitoring system, SENSEHUB Dairy Youngstock, he industry’s first monitoring technology for dairy calves from birth through the first 12 months of life.

According to the company, the new product will make it easier for dairy producers and calf managers to detect and locate calves and heifers who need attention. A science-based algorithm is used to constantly monitor animal behavior through a special SENSEHUB monitoring ear tag.

The technology identifies animals that exhibit behaviors that fall outside their individual norms, indicating they may need attention. The SENSEHUB monitoring ear tag also incorporates a blinking LED light so workers can quickly and easily locate those animals and apply appropriate interventions.

“This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we raise calves and heifers,” said Brandt Kreuscher, dairy business development manager, North America, Merck Animal Health, in a company press release. “For the first time, dairy producers can harness objective data to find calves that may need extra care and then provide early intervention to keep them on a path toward becoming healthy and productive cows.” 

According to Merck, research shows that calves diagnosed with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) are more than twice as likely to die or be removed from the herd before their first calving. Furthermore, heifers experiencing calfhood BRD have lower average daily gain and produce less milk during their first lactations.

With cattle being animals of prey, calves have a natural tendency to hide symptoms of disease. Merck states that SENSEHUB Dairy Youngstock helps to overcome this instinctive behavior by identifying potential signs of illness, often before symptoms are apparent to caregivers.  

The new technology also allows dairy producers to use labor more efficiently.  

“With SENSEHUB Dairy Youngstock, dairy workers can focus their valuable time and resources on the calves and heifers that need attention, leaving the others alone,” Kreuscher said. “The efficiency associated with the technology allows herd managers to adjust the workflow on their operation and more effectively utilize their best employees.” 

Diamond H Dairy of Chowchilla, Calif., has already begun utilizing the new technology on their operation and has seen promising results.

“With the SENSEHUB system, instead of looking at 800 calves, we can focus on the 30, 40 or 50 that are on the list every day,” says Travis Hooker at Diamond H Dairy. “Having this technology allows us to more closely manage every little piece of each calf’s life.”   

 Merck states that SENSEHUB Dairy Youngstock is compatible with management systems involving nipple-fed calves housed in individual hutches from birth to weaning, and post-weaning calves housed in group pens from three to 12 months of age. Monitoring tags are attached as part of neonatal calf processing and begin generating actionable data within 27 hours.Dairy producers should consult with their veterinarians for guidance on disease diagnosis and protocols for intervention. For more information about SENSEHUB Dairy Youngstock, visit SENSEHUB-Dairy.com.  

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