6 Jul 2016

Student’s solar powered livestock tag is first to remotely monitor flock welfare

WM Systems, designed by Loughborough University Industrial Design and Technology student Ollie Godwin, is a solar powered tag that records animals’ heart rate and body temperature every five minutes and alerts farmers to potential health problems.

The tag, which also monitors livestock location, is ideal for use during lambing where body temperature spikes in the hour prior to birth. Whenever a body temperature or heart rate reading is detected outside of set parameters, an alarm is signalled on the farmer’s phone enabling the farmer to go to the animal’s aid.

The innovative system is suitable for a wide range of livestock, including cows, pigs and goats, and can also signal when an animal is in distress. With the addition of a single signal bouncer, it has a range of up to 15 miles (this can be increased further by adding more signal bouncers).

The associated app removes the need for manual data entry, reducing risk of human error and slashing the time needed to complete paperwork.

Designer Ollie, who was inspired to create the tag after helping his mother lamb his sister’s pedigree Zwartbles sheep, believes his invention is the first system that autonomously monitors livestock welfare. He said:  

“For the first time, farmers can access remote 24-hour reporting on their livestock. Not only will this allow farmers to react quickly when their animals need them, but it also mitigates the need for regular night visits during birthing season.   

“Whether they have two lamas, 200 cows, or 2,000 sheep, the system can be customized to their needs.

“As industry profit margins continue to shrink, farmers need to explore every angle to reduce their costs. By automating these areas of welfare management, farmers reduce the man hours needed to care for and report on their livestock.”  

Ollie is exhibiting WM Systems this week at New Designers – the UK’s most important graduate design exhibition. He is one of 14 Loughborough Design School students to be showcasing their final year projects.  

For more information visit www.ogodwin.com or email ollietgodwin@gmail.com