Several technologies have been developed for the livestock industry over the last decade. One of these technologies is CowManager. CowManager is software system that allows users to monitor the daily activity of their animals from their phones. CowManager determines activity by using a position sensor located in an ear tag. This position sensor monitors many movements of the animal including estrus, parturition, feeding, rumination, and body temperature. Changes in these movements are determined by the software system and can be used to determine reproductive status and health.

Using three cooperator farms and the farms at UK, we have determined that this technology is greater than 90% accurate and 90% precise for estrus detection and parturition. This technology was also accurate in determining time the animals were ruminating and 70% accurate on the time they spend grazing. Lameness was accurately detected but illness was not predicted by this technology. 

This technology could be used to increase the reproductive efficiency of beef cow-calf operations. Enhancing reproductive efficiency by 10% would dramatically increase revenue and profitability.