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| Photo: Eurotier.com |
EuroTier has recognized 31 innovations in livestock farming, comprising 4 gold medals and 27 silver medals. Many of the award-winning innovations focus on sensor and camera technology, as well as feed solutions designed to help reduce emissions.
The first gold medal was awarded to Performanat CatiBovin. This product is a feed additive for dairy cows that improves the absorption of nitrogen and calcium and improves feed efficiency. As a result, ammonia and other emissions can be reduced.
The second gold medal was awarded to Smartcalving from Lock. Developed together with SmaXtec, the system combines signals from the animal with climate data from the SEB Farm Management System and actuators in the calving area (maternity pen), such as curtains, fans, and gates. When it detects a cow that is about to give birth, the system automatically adjusts the climate conditions and other settings in the barn, reducing the need for human labor. The innovation also won the Animal Welfare Award, an additional award given specifically to innovations that have won a gold or silver medal in the EuroTier Innovation Awards competition.
Weda’s smart farrowing pen has won its third gold medal. The system uses artificial intelligence (AI) to continuously analyze camera images of the sow and her piglets. Based on this behavioral analysis, it regulates the climate, the temperature in the piglets’ nest, and the feeding schedule. In this way, for the first time, the animals can indirectly control their own housing environment. Weda also received the Animal Welfare Award for this smart farrowing pen innovation.
The final gold-medal-winning innovation at EuroTier is Pigbarn Cleaner by Peter Prinzing. The system automatically and carefully moves animals from a designated section of the barn to behind a partition. A robot then cleans the solid floor using rotating brushes, while manure is collected in a container for later removal. According to the jury’s report, the system delivers better cleanliness and lower emissions.
Among the silver medal winners are UKKÖ Robotics (Canada) with RovaBarn, a highly automated mobile poultry house, and VetVise GmbH with BarnBuddy, a camera-based herd and health management system for pigs, poultry, and cattle that uses artificial intelligence (AI).
Another award-winning innovation is Weanex NEO by HealthTech BioActives, a patented sensory concept designed to encourage piglets to voluntarily consume solid feed. The concept mimics natural volatile compounds found in the placenta, colostrum, and sow’s milk. In addition, Constantec Co., Ltd. received recognition for Feed Check, which uses precision LiDAR technology to optimize monitoring of feed silo fill levels. Integrated temperature and humidity sensors also help monitor feed quality.