MSD Animal Health announces upgrade to its youngstock application plan
7th August 2024
MSD Animal Health UK has announced an update to its SenseHub Dairy Youngstock application plan, which makes it fully compatible with all nipple-fed calves from birth.
The manufacturer explained that SenseHub Dairy Youngstock system uses an electronic ear tag to monitor the behavioural patterns of calves from birth to 12 months of age to identify any signs of potential ill health or opportunities for long-term welfare improvements.
Previously, the Youngstock plan, which was officially launched in the UK in March 2024, was only compatible for pre-weaning, nipple-fed calves housed in single occupancy hutches or for weaned calves housed in group pens.
The latest update extends the system’s remit to also include pre-weaning, nipple-fed calves housed in groups.
Best possible start in life
Paul Mitcham, national sales manager (monitoring) at MSD Animal Health, said: “Using a monitoring system to oversee the health and welfare indicators of pre- and post-weaned calves reduces the reliance on in-person assessments by experienced staff and ensures that each and every animal within the herd gets off to the best possible start in life.
“With the Youngstock system now compatible with pre-weaning calves housed in groups, its value to UK dairy farms – where animal welfare guidelines prevent calves over the age of 8 weeks from being housed in single occupancy pens – has been given a significant boost and makes it the only system able to monitor grouped calves from birth.”
The data generated by the SenseHub Youngstock system enables herd managers and farm vets to ensure each and every animal under their care is being managed as efficiently as possible.
Monitoring their animals from birth also allows livestock professionals to use proven data to make informed management decisions that will optimise the lifetime performance of each young animal entering the herd, the company explained.
As soon as the SenseHub Youngstock system detects any irregular patterns that could be indicative of a developing health or welfare issue, the SenseHub smartphone or desktop app highlights the animal to enable earlier intervention to be taken.
Subscription
The manufacturer said that the programmable blinking LED on the SenseHub ear tag makes it easier and quicker to locate the relevant animal so that the necessary care or treatment can be administered as quickly as possible.
Mr Mitcham added: “SenseHub Youngstock can be used as a standalone system or in combination with other SenseHub plans, which monitor the reproduction and rumination status of heifers and adult cows.”
“The Youngstock application plan can also be funded via a SenseHub GO subscription, which spreads the cost of investment.
“With zero upfront costs, a GO subscription gives farmers access to the full suite of SenseHub monitoring hardware and software for one affordable monthly payment.
“With no hidden extras or additional costs, a GO subscription future-proofs the farm’s investment into herd monitoring and offers farmers complete peace of mind by giving them access to the very best herd monitoring and automation technologies with none of the financial risks or capital depreciation losses.”
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