The goal is to modify/add to a subcutaneous implantable device (SQID) for dairy cattle which will serve as an electronic identification system and in-cow information storage reservoir. The system will be implanted in the sacral region of the cow. A stainless steel capsule containing electronic circuitry and a communication antenna will be inserted subcutaneously and will be operative for the lifetime of the cow. Using a hand-held external or fixed interrogation device, the system will allow cow-side entry and retrieval of reproductive and health related data. This system will enhance significantly the effectiveness of currently available reproductive and health record systems and in tracking animals from their production units to slaughter. The device will consist of a microprocessor with memory for information storage. Circuitry will allow the transfer of data to/from the subcutaneously implanted system via induced electromagnetic fields. This technology will make three significant contributions. They are: 1) introduce cow-side data entry and retrieval, thus greatly streamlining the record keeping pathway; 2) facilitate collection and analysis of critical health data heretofore unavailable to the veterinarian and herd manager and 3) provide the potential for a nationwide health tracking system used to identify animals arriving at slaughter houses. Our immediate Phase I goal is to prove the concept of a simple in-cow data entry, storage and retrieval system.
Anticipated Results:Three factors will contribute to the power of this technology. They are: 1) significantly reduced labor requirements through streamlined data health/reproductive recording and access, 2) increased production efficiency through better decision making, especially in the health/reproduction areas, 3) provide the opportunity for a national herd health data base which will enable new opportunities for epidemiological approaches to health management and quality assurance. The estimated economic benefit to producers and veterinarians will exceed $200 million per year if only 25 percent of herds not currently enrolled in an organized record keeping system use the technology. The return to research and development and to the industry will likely exceed 300 percent.
