Evaluation of HerdDogg Remote Sensing Tag on Detection of Morbidity of Newly Received Steers

Summary with Implications A receiving study was conducted to evaluate the HerdDogg remote sensing tag for the detection of morbidity in newly received steers. Treatments were assigned to cattle in the order they came through the chute, and those included a treatment whereby pen-riders evaluated the cattle and made the decision on when to treat (Pen-Rider), compared to the HerdDogg remote sensing ear tag that solely identified and flagged cattle in need of treatment (TAG). Cattle were fed for 41 days before being weighed off the receiving trial. While no differences in performance were observed, the TAG treatment had a higher proportion of cattle treated. The TAG treatment had 42.2% of cattle treated vs the Pen-Rider cattle, which was 31.7%. This tends to show that when producers use the technology, they should expect to treat a higher percentage of cattle. The HerdDogg tags may be a valuable tool in identifying sick cattle, but does not replace experienced personnel.