Antibiotic use has more than halved on a Lancashire dairy farm since the installation of a rumen bolus-based health management system at the end of 2024.

Blackmoss Farm, located near Preston, has been using the smaXtec system across its 250 predominantly Holstein cows for almost five months.

Farm manager, Ed Swindlehurst, reports that in the first four months alone, injectable antibiotic use has decreased by 52%, while antibiotic tubes dropped by 62%.

“The boluses were installed to replace an existing collar system and give us a deeper level of insight into cow health,” explains Mr Swindlehurst.

“The fact they provide accurate data on inner body temperature, water intake and drinking cycles, rumination, and activity made the decision a no-brainer. It aligns perfectly with our preventative approach to herd health.”

He adds that the use of AHV boluses and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has also reduced by 50% since the system was installed.

Alongside the significant reduction in medicine use, the farm has seen notable improvements in herd performance.

“Cow numbers have increased from 278 to 288, average milk yield has risen from 10,700 to 10,988 litres, and our rolling heat detection rate has improved noticeably from 69.75% to 74.5% already,” says Mr Swindlehurst.  

Robert Kirk, UK country sales manager at smaXtec, says the results at Blackmoss Farm clearly demonstrate the value of automated health management systems - particularly those that provide continuous, real-time internal monitoring, integrated health and fertility insights, and user-friendly digital alerts.

“Not only is the farm supporting good antimicrobial stewardship, it’s also achieving improvements in fertility and productivity.

“The results the team has seen in just four months speak for themselves, and we’re excited to see how the system continues to support their business in the months ahead,” says Mr Kirk.

With grant funding now available, through Defra’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2025, more farmers can take advantage of this technology to improve herd health, reduce medicine use, and enhance productivity.

Farmers in England looking to adopt automatic animal health and welfare remote monitoring systems can benefit from 50% grant funding under the FETF 2025.

Mr Kirk points out that while many dairy farms already use some form of automated monitoring system, cost remains a barrier for some.

“The new round of funding presents a real opportunity to make these technologies more accessible across the sector,” he says.

The smaXtec system is eligible under FETF item reference FETF315SH (automatic health and welfare remote monitoring system).

The application window is open until midday on 10 July 2025, and this will be the only window for applications in this round.

To apply or find out more, visit the government website here.