Farm Talk: Cattle supply chain gets powered by AI – Economic news

Methane is a significant greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and dairy cows are a major source of methane emissions. Modern technology can help solve this problem. For example, livestock startup eFeed has developed VetVantage, an AI-based SaaS platform designed to help dairy companies manage and reduce methane emissions from their cows and monetize their sustainability goals through carbon credits.

There are other startups in the space. Companies like Connecterra, CattleEye, and Faromatics are leveraging AI and sensor technology To optimise livestock management. Even state-run research institutes like the Central Cattle Research Institute, Meerut and the Central Buffalo Research Institute, Hisar are researching AI and sensors for efficient animal husbandry.

eFeed's latest version, MethaneTracker 2.0, provides a comprehensive solution to one of the most pressing environmental issues – emissions from livestock farming. “We have impacted over 200,000 farmers so far, helping them achieve higher returns on their investments. Farmers have seen an average 30% improvement in milk quality across states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar,” said Kumar Ranjan, CEO of eFeed. “We work with large farms and dairies in India.“The platform captures the enteric methane emissions of grazing cows and has algorithms that accurately measure methane emissions from cows,” he revealed.

“Farmers are the linchpin of our supply chain,” said Rabin Sarja, director of Sterling Agro Industries, whose subsidiary Nova Dairy has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving animal welfare within its cattle supply chain. “By equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools, we believe that together we can improve their wellbeing.” It also improves cow productivity.”

Saluja said the health of dairy cows significantly impacts the quality and quantity of milk. Stressed and unhealthy cows are less efficient at producing milk. Restricted cows typically produce 15-20 litres of milk a day, while free-range cows can produce up to 25 litres of milk a day. The increased milk production of free-range cows is due to lower stress levels and improved overall health, Saluja explained.

According to Ranjan, artificial intelligence is used in AI-assisted livestock management.machine learning and data analytics to optimise livestock production. This involves collecting and analysing data from sensors, cameras and farm records to provide insights, automate processes and support decision-making to improve animal health, welfare and environmental sustainability.

“For example, VetVantage is a tool that uses AI, precision animal nutrition and geospatial data to calculate methane emissions. It gives dairies an accurate estimate of their cows' methane emissions,” Ranjan said. Essentially, dairies input detailed information about geography, animals and feed and receive an accurate methane emissions estimate. This allows dairies to make informed decisions about feed management.

“Earlier, my cows used to produce around 2.5 litres of milk a day. After using eFeed products and customising my cow's feed, milk production has increased to four litres a day. My cows are healthier and more immune to diseases and my monthly expenses have reduced by 25 per cent,” said Brijesh Yadav, a farmer from Gaur village in Uttar Pradesh.

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AI-powered systems help farmers create individual feeding plans for each cow

Kumar Ranjan, CEO, EFeed

By empowering farmers, we can collectively improve cow health

Rabin Sarja, Director of Sterling Agro Industries