An innovative camera and AI system is helping dairy farmers improve productivity and cow health. And now, for the first time, farmers will be able to utilise the data collected by the system, together with specialist advice from dairy experts, to make a real difference in their herds.

The cutting-edge technology from HerdVision measures body condition score (BCS) and mobility, and is now available exclusively from Wynnstay. The system uses a camera which can be fitted to any parlour or race, allowing a bird's-eye view of the cows as they pass underneath. The camera assesses each cow to give a BCS and a mobility score, which the farmer can then view on a desktop or app.

Having the data and information is great, but what is more important is for farmers to utilise it in the best way to maximise their return on investment. That’s where advice from the Wynnstay team can play a vital role.

“This partnership brings the benefits of early identification of problem cows alongside support from Wynnstay's specialists, nutritionists and range of products, ensuring that a problem will be quickly addressed,” says Matt Dobbs, CEO of HerdVision.

“Wynnstay's superior knowledge of dairy farming, range of expertise and wide product portfolio made them logical partners to bring the benefits of vision technology to UK dairy farming.”

Lameness is a good example of where the partnership can make a difference. “With access to the data from the HerdVision reports, and working alongside the farm’s foot trimmer, we can identify problem areas which may be causing issues like sole bruising or white line disease,” says Rebecca Reed-Downes, dairy technical specialist at Wynnstay.

“It could be that some simple tweaks to cow comfort, like rubberised mats in the entry and exit of the parlour, or at the feed barriers, make all the difference,” says Mrs Reed-Downes. “If it’s an issue of digital dermatitis, we could dig into the farm’s footbathing routine, and refine the system.”

And the diets can also be tweaked. “For nutritionists, this will provide vital data on BCS changes throughout lactation – allowing for valuable insights into the transition period and its success, along with information on potential overfeeding or underfeeding,” says David Jones, dairy nutritionist at Wynnstay.

“Used correctly this information will allow for improvements in fertility, health and production.”

And the savings could be significant, particularly when considering the costs of paying an accredited mobility scorer, and when research shows the average cost of lameness is £330 per case. “For farmers, HerdVision will allow for earlier intervention and treatment of mobility issues, reducing health and fertility production losses,” says Mr Jones.

“Mobility issues are one of the main reasons for cows to leave the herd early so this will also improve cow longevity and sustainability.”

The system costs £5,900 with a free subscription for the first year, and is eligible for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund to help offset the cost, says Mr Jones.

“Once set up, the farmer has the benefit of a wealth of knowledge and expertise from the Wynnstay team.”

• For more information visit https://www.wynnstay.co.uk/herdvision.