This edition of “Gizmos & Gadgets” features cattle reproductive remote monitoring technology, a compostable net wrap for bales, a diverse and high-tonnage forage seed mix and a well-known brand’s first midi excavator.

Remote estrus detection for cattle

Merck Animal Health has introduced SenseHub^® Cow Calf, a remote monitoring technology designed to help optimize breeding results with less labor for cow-calf producers, including those who use artificial insemination (AI) or embryo transfer (ET).

SenseHub Cow Calf monitors behaviors that help to detect estrus, determine ideal insemination windows and uncover potential reproductive issues faster than human observation alone. The technology continuously analyzes data being collected and delivers convenient alerts to smartphones, tablets or desktop computers, saving producers time typically required for visually observing heats.

Using an ear-mounted accelerometer, the system tracks activity and rumination and alerts operators of a cow or heifer needing attention. Minimal hardware is needed. Data recorded and analyzed is used to create simple-to-read, understandable dashboards. It is backed up and stored in a secure, cloud-based system. SenseHub Cow Calf ear tags also illuminate and flash, making it easier for caregivers to find animals flagged by the system.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/4dPCdMg.

Compostable net wrap

Nature’s Net Wrap is a revolutionary product for the ag industry. This compostable net wrap provides a sustainable solution for bales that eliminates plastic waste without compromising on performance. The net wrap is manufactured using biopolymers sourced from plant-based renewable resources. This not only minimizes the carbon footprint, but also aligns with the growing global demand for environmentally conscious products.

Nature’s Net Wrap doesn’t require extra wraps. The company recommends using 2-1/4 wraps for hay and 3-1/4 wraps for straw. 

This product is available at local Case IH and New Holland dealerships and is available in the following sizes:

• 48 inches (in.) x 4,000 feet (ft.)
• 51 in. x 4,000 ft.
• 64 in. x 4,000 ft.
• 67 in. x 4,000 ft.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/3BOe0bP.

Forage mix combines eight species for season-long growth

Renovo Seed has added a new forage mix, OptiHarv, to their portfolio. The mix is a diverse blend of millets, peas, beans, barley and brassicas that produces immense tonnage for baleage, haylage or grazing. The season-long growth provides a high-quality total mixed ration and allows for multiple harvests from just one field.

Nutritional tests show OptiHarv has excellent results in yield potential, crude protein (CP) levels, relative feed value (RFV), and total digestible nutrients. When tested, CP was 14.64% dry matter, and the RVF was 110.69 on a dry basis. These values can vary depending on species maturity, weather conditions and cutting time. OptiHarv has an overall yield potential of 8-10 tons of silage/baleage in the first cutting and an additional 2-3 tons in regrowth to graze or harvest again.

There has been a huge increase in the use of winter annuals, such as rye or triticale, after a silage harvest. OptiHarv works best being planted around the first of June, after a winter annual is harvested.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/3YpPIxE.

Midi excavator fills gap between small, large machines

New Holland Construction has launched its first midi excavator: the E70D midi excavator. The E70D bridges the gap between mini excavators and larger, more cumbersome machines. It is an ideal solution for a wide range of applications. From urban construction sites and tight landscaping jobs to agricultural tasks and municipal projects, the E70D delivers exceptional power and versatility in a compact package.