BioTag+-sensor ear tag improves oestrus and farrowing management

With the launch of the new BioTag+sensor ear tag at EuroTier 2024 in Germany, Big Dutchman is setting a new standard for modern sow management. The innovative ear tag is the first tag that continuously records the pigs’ movement and temperature data and analyses these data using a self-learning algorithm. Important parameters such as the oestrus or upcoming births can thus be detected at an early stage and be transmitted into the cloud in real time via an IoT gateway. These data enable automatic and individual control of the housing equipment. The innovative product was given an Innovation Award in silver.

The innovation is a joint development by Big Dutchman and BioCV GmbH.

Enhanced animal welfare and efficient management

BioTag+ significantly enhances sow welfare. The sows can be kept in groups until shortly before farrowing, which leads to better group formation and smoother birth processes. The animals can continue to move around, reducing the risk of health issues.

In group farrowing systems such as Agilo FB, from Big Dutchman, farrowing crates with a free-access functionality can be controlled automatically, which makes monitoring and optimising the farrowing process easier.

BioTag+ also offers important benefits in the service centre. Sows in heat are detected automatically so they can be inseminated at the right time. This contributes to more efficient herd management and helps to fulfil the requirements of the new German Order on the Protection of Animals and the Keeping of Production Animals (TierSchNutztV), which only allows sows to be restrained for short periods of time.

Pioneering technology – BioTag+ is the first sensor ear tag for pigs to use the new Bluetooth 5.2 standard, enabling improved data communication. Even inexperienced staff can work safely and efficiently due to cloud-based analyses. Early on, the algorithm detects lameness, diseases and sows that are in heat but show no symptoms, which improves the herd’s overall health and contributes to sustainable and future-proof sow management.