This new system includes an activity measurement which enables heat detection at an early stage in addition to the existing rumen pH and temperature measurement. Due to the improved smaXtec user interface, smaXtec users can create, administer and manage groups optimally. The smaXtec System 3.0 allows farmers to optimize feeding, health and fertility in a single system by means of continuous real-time measurement.

The smaXtec System has long enabled optimizations in the areas of disease prevention, feeding and performance through continuous measurement of data such as pH values and temperatures in the forestomach system of cows. The smaXtec sensors now have expanded performance enabling reliable animal movement measurement. In addition, the improved user interface includes new features which allow you to create, administer and manage groups much more easily.

Reproduction management

The new smaXtec sensors are a safe heat detection system for dairy herds, sending an alarm when increased movement is recognized. The optimal time for the greatest insemination success is detected by this means. Open days (calving to conception) can be reduced by heat detection. The co-founder and CEO of smaXtec, Dipl.-Ing. Dr.tech. Stefan Rosenkranz explains: “We are very pleased that we can now offer our customers movement measurement for heat detection, an indispensable tool for farmers whatever their farm size”. The new product is a real stride forwards and brings similarly good results compared with other established heat detection systems based on behavioral changes.

Health management

Unlike traditional heat detection tools smaXtec sensors offer the big additional advantage of use for health management purposes. Diseases are detected at an early stage by temperature measurement and can be treated immediately. The detection of heat stress and changes in drinking behavior can be promptly detected and instantaneously counteracted by the user.

Feeding management

smaXtec sensors measure health and movement individually for each animal. In addition to these sensors, smaXtec sensors with additional pH value measurement (acidity) are available; this function is a valuable help for controlling rumen health and increasing feed efficiency. The pH value measurement allows users to achieve an improved feeding management. Sentinal cows are equipped with smaXtec sensors with additional pH value measurement in order to obtain values representative of the whole herd.

Group management

Some useful changes have been made to the smaXtec system user interface. The new functions will be introduced to the smaXtec Messenger with the launch of the new sensors on December 1st, 2015. It will now be possible to create and administer groups in order to manage the animals even more successfully. Users will be provided with a quick overview of the health and feeding status of all groups. CEO Rosenkranz said, “creating a simple, clear and practical user interface was of the highest importance to us”, adding: “The clear division of the user interface into the areas feeding, health and reproduction allows not only easy handling of the device but the user also maintains a good overview of the animals and data”. Alert messages and action recommendations keep smaXtec users constantly up-to-date on the well-being of their animals, and what action needs to be taken next.

smaXtec stands out from competitors due to the measurement of many different and important parameters (pH/temperature/movement) and provides users with a unique integrated monitoring solution. The user can choose sensors of exactly the right sort and quantity to suit the farm and all its individual objectives. These individual options mean that smaXtec systems are the right choice for farms of any size.

The new smaXtec System 3.0 was presented at the first international smaXtec Rumen pH symposium in Graz, Austria, where users and other interested parties were able to exchange ideas on ruminal pH-value and rumen health. Presentations by expert speakers allowed the participants to gain an in-depth overview on the product and to exchange experiences and ideas.