User's Manual

1 Introduction

1.1 The origins of the IceQube and the CowAlert System

IceRobotics has been supplying animal science institutions worldwide with specialist behaviour

monitoring solutions since 2005. Its IceTag and IceQube sensors are used by leading livestock

researchers in over 20 countries to enable research into health, welfare and behaviour, principally in

dairy cattle. Research based on these sensors appears in highly regarded journals such as the Journal

of Dairy Science and the Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Recent published papers have

covered diverse themes including oestrus expression, lameness patterns, different bedding types,

hoof trimming methods and feed intake.

The IceQube was developed in 2008 from the proven IceTag platform to provide a sensor that is

suitable both for large-scale research and commercial farm applications. It was launched in 2010

after extensive field-trialling across many herds and sites. The IceTag and IceQube are designed to

be fully compatible with each other to ensure that ongoing research insights can be extended into

practical applications in commercial farming.

Both sensors use a 3-axis accelerometer, capturing precise data on the cow’s movements several

times per second, providing highly detailed activity and behaviour information. The CowAlert system

was developed to provide advanced management and analysis capability for the data generated by

the IceQube.

The system’s internet connectivity allows large amounts of data to be securely stored and

extensively analysed. Users can keep information over several generations of animals if they wish

and complex mathematical analysis and calculations can be performed which would not be possible

on older-generation stand-alone systems. Information from different sites can be compared or

combined and users can access the system from any location with an internet connection.

Information can therefore be shared remotely with third parties such as vets or feed advisors if

desired.

The IceQube’s excellent heat detection performance has been verified through a series of scientific

trials involving progesterone testing. With the IceTag established as the market leading choice of

dairy animal scientists, the award winning IceQube and CowAlert system is now being selected by

the most progressive dairy farmers.

CowAlert and IceQube are Registered Trade Marks of IceR

obotics Ltd