AI helps track cows’ fertility cycle, maximise yield

Bengaluru: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and wearable technology have reached a dairy farm in Karnataka. With many health-conscious Bengalureans turning to organic milk, a startup in the business has gone hi-tech to maximise production.
Happy Milk, a Bengaluru-based organic milk startup, which has set up a stall at the ongoing Organics and Millets 2019 International Trade Fair, monitors the daily activities of 400 cows in its 30-acre Tumakuru farm through wearable technology devices strapped on to the cows’ legs.
Developed by international technology group GEA, the precision livestock farming technology device gives farmers a complete insight into the animal’s health, well-being and fertility. Through round-the-clock monitoring, the device even tells the farmer when the animal is in heat, when the time is right for insemination and whenever there is an unexpected drop in the amount of time spent walking or standing — which may indicate lameness. The cows can be monitored through mobile devices and PCs.
Speaking about their tech-driven farm, Mehal Kejriwal, co-founder, Happy Milk, said, “A group of 15 people handle the entire farm. With the help of technology, we’ve cut down manpower and time while enhancing efficiency.”
“With many realising that a majority of dairy products in the market are adulterated, the demand for organic milk has gone up in Bengaluru. Today, we sell close to 4000 litres per day in Bengaluru alone with delivery to homes and through supermarkets. The cows are fed 100% organic food. Organic milk is most in demand in Whitefield, Koramangala, Sadashivanagar and HSR Layout,” she added.
KC Raghu, managing director of Pristine Organics, which has set up a stall at the fair, pointed out how the demand for organic and millet-based baby food is on the rise in areas like Indiranagar, Jayanagar, Basavanagudi and Rajajinagar.
“There is a renewed interest in old grains, which were once part and parcel of every diet in Karnataka. Baby cereal made with organic ragi, organic mixed millet flakes and organic whole rice supplement for children are especially in demand in certain areas of the city,” said Raghu.