Smart Collars Boost Dairy Herd Health

By Scout Nelson

Being a dairy farmer today requires careful decisions made quickly. Labor is tight, herds are larger, and animal health must be protected while keeping operations efficient. Minnesota researchers are working on tools to help.

At the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, a team led by Luciano Caixeta is studying precision technology for dairy herds with support from the Rapid Agricultural Response Fund. With a 2024–25 grant, they are testing smart collars–like a Fitbit for cows–that monitor eating and rumination. These behaviors are strong indicators of metabolic health.

The project uses the collars to better manage hyperketonemia (HK), a common issue after calving that affects milk yield, fertility, and overall health. Many farms treat HK automatically. However, earlier research showed some cows recover without treatment. The current study asks a key question: can real-time behavior data show which cows truly need help and which are coping well on their own?

Early findings suggest that some cows with HK signs rebound without intervention. By identifying these animals, farms can reduce unnecessary treatments, focus labor where it matters, and support animal welfare. This approach helps maintain productivity while saving time and resources.

A major lesson is that farms differ. Diets, housing, management, and even the technology in use vary widely. As a result, the thresholds for action should be tailored to each farm’s data. Individualized insights make decisions more accurate and practical.

The work is expanding beyond HK. The team is now exploring how to define a truly healthy cow–one unlikely to need intervention soon. Clear health profiles can guide daily care and inform breeding choices that strengthen long-term herd resilience.

The researchers have shared results with producer groups, veterinarians, and at scientific meetings. Academic publications are expected, and industry partners are watching closely. The goal is simple: bring useful, farm-ready tools to dairies so farmers can make faster, better decisions and care for animals more effectively–one cow, one collar, and one data point at a time.

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