Farmers are now feeding cows data pills to track their digestive processes

Cows are now being hooked up to the Internet. I’ll let that one sink in for a second.

A bit more specifically, Scotland-based company Well Cow has created a tiny device that is ingested by the cow for the purpose of monitoring the animal’s digestive system.

Estimated to last between 80 and 100 days inside the cow’s rumen — the largest of the cattle's four stomach compartments — the device uses ARM’s MBed development platform to monitor the rumen pH temperature within the animal’s digestive system every 15 minutes. It then transmits this mini data report to a Bluetooth collar worn around the cow’s neck, so as to allow the farmer to retrieve this information via his / her Android mobile device or Well Cow’s PC peripheral. 

The big picture idea here is to allow farmers to use the Well Cow device as a means for anticipating or otherwise solving any digestive problems ol’ Bessie might be experiencing, by adjusting its food and medical requirements in a more timely manner. It is believed that a faster response to the cow’s health issues would not only lead to a healthier animal, but a better milk supply, too. 

Story via: wellcow.co.uk