Continuous monitoring and 24/7 eyes in the barn. Cowmanager's ear sensors make it possible. The system allows the dairy farmer to work more efficiently and increase flexibility on the dairy farm. ''It gives me the opportunity to keep my job outside the home'', says dairy farmer Johan Molenaar.
In Hoeven in Brabant, where the dairy farm of Johan Molenaar and his parents is located, 200 dairy and calf cows are kept. The Molenaar family was there from the start and has been working with Cowmanager for over 10 years now. ''Not always having to be in the barn and still not missing anything, was one of the reasons to start with the ear sensors'', Johan adds.
Cowmanager's ear sensors make it possible, among other things, to identify cows in heat and sick at an early stage. In addition to the Fertility module and the Health module, the system can be expanded with the Nutrition and Find my Cow modules. The system is flexible, so as a dairy farmer you can choose the modules that suit your company.
Fertility at number 1
Fertility has always been a focus of attention on the dairy farm of the Molenaar family. The aim is to achieve a short calving interval for the lactating herd and an average calving age for heifers under 24 months. The use of CowManager therefore pays off with a calving interval of 383 days and an average calving age of 23 months. “By being on top of things and being careful about the calving interval, we are able to get 11.000 kilos of milk from the Flechvieh cows.”
According to Johan, the ideal moment of insemination and the silent journeys are two important advantages of the Fertility module. "The young stock is already fitted with an ear sensor at 8 months. In this way, at the time of insemination, we already have a lot of data available about the cycle of the little finger, which only increases the reliability."
Always keep an eye on the cows by using CowManager
According to Johan, the advantage of quickly anticipating health reports is underestimated. Due to the notifications on our telephone, we are there early, so that we can make adjustments where necessary. This results in a healthy herd, which is particularly reflected in the insemination rate of 1.7.
The information and notifications in the app give the dairy farmers the opportunity to see how things are going in the barn. ''With the Health module, the rumination activity and ear temperature are continuously monitored and that gives me the idea that I am always walking between the flock. By having the cows in the picture at an early stage, we need to use less antibiotics. A painkiller without waiting time or udder mint can sometimes be enough."
Maintain flexibility and freedom
By working with Cowmanager, Johan retains the opportunity to work full-time outside the home in ICT. ''The controls, graphics and attentions speak for themselves. Together with the fertility and health notifications, it allows my parents and staff to work easily and efficiently on our dairy farm. In addition, I always find technical developments that create added value interesting and by working with CowManager it is more relaxed for me to be away for a day."
For more information, go to www.cowmanager.com or follow CowManager on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. For any questions, please contact our dealer AgroVision, www.agrovision.nl.