GEA Farm Technologies has acquired Northern Ireland-based agricultural software company CattleEye Ltd., adding a pioneering artificial intelligence system to its existing portfolio of solutions for dairy farms. The acquisition reinforces GEA’s strong commitment to improving animal health and welfare.

“With the trend towards larger and more automated dairy farms, the need to monitor and track animals and production is becoming increasingly important,” said Peter Lauwers, chief executive officer of GEA Farm Technologies. “By adding CattleEye’s advanced AI technology, we are expanding our DairyNet portfolio for modern herd management. This can be a game changer for farmers to improve herd health, farm productivity and financial stability.”

CattleEye is an artificial intelligence system designed to detect and predict lameness in cows quickly. Next to mastitis, lameness is a major disease in dairy cows that can lead to infertility and decreased milk yields. CattleEye also provides critical data to assess body condition scores, which helps analyze cow health after calving, determine ration adjustments and monitor the cow’s general physical condition. By using this AI-based software, farmers can take immediate action to improve the welfare and productivity of their herd.

The CattleEye system combines a 2D camera with specialized software that analyzes cow movement and body score patterns. Farmers gain unparalleled insight into their herd's health. The system can be integrated into new and existing farms, regardless of the type or brand of milking system.

Artificial intelligence supports animal health and welfare

CattleEye was founded in 2019 by repeat AgTech entrepreneur Terry Canning, the son of a dairy farmer, and Adam Askew, a senior software architect with over 10 years of experience using deep-learning image analytics to detect cancerous tumors. Launched in April 2021, the system monitors over 100,000 cows worldwide.

“CattleEye was born out of a vision to harness the capabilities of advanced artificial intelligence in video analytics to revolutionize the dairy industry,” said CEO and co-founder Terry Canning. “After starting our partnership last year, we are thrilled GEA will be using and developing this innovative solution with our team to improve animal welfare and drive positive change in the industry.”

CattleEye data can be accessed anytime via an app on a smartphone, tablet and computer. It automatically identifies lame cows or cows in the early stages of discomfort so dairy farmers can treat them promptly.