Farm Animals

Farmed Cattle Calving Monitoring Systems

Technology-assisted calving monitoring enables earlier intervention in difficult calvings, reducing both cow and calf welfare harm.

Key Facts

Tail-mounted sensors detect the circular motion indicating imminent calving
Alert systems notify stockpeople of calving onset even during night hours
Earlier detection of dystocia allows timely assistance reducing trauma
Camera systems in calving pens allow remote monitoring without disturbance
Calving monitoring technology has reduced calf mortality and calving-related cow injury

Welfare Considerations

Difficult calvings that go undetected cause prolonged suffering in both cow and calf, and delayed intervention worsens outcomes. Technology that detects calving onset and alerts stockpeople at any hour enables timely intervention that prevents the worst welfare outcomes. Calving monitoring is one of the most directly welfare-impactful technologies available on cattle farms.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards incentivising calving monitoring technology adoption
Advocate for 24-hour monitoring standards during calving periods
Choose dairy products from farms with documented calving monitoring systems