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The Digital Heartbeat of Dairy Cows

Zoetis Smartbow

By Zoetis

Last reviewed: December 2025

Premium ear tag sensor system from Zoetis providing real-time location tracking, rumination monitoring, and comprehensive health and fertility detection for...

Smartbow, now owned by Zoetis, is a premium ear tag monitoring system that uniquely combines real-time location tracking with comprehensive health and fertility monitoring. Originally developed in Austria, the system has been refined for large-scale commercial dairy operations.

The system uses ultra-wideband technology for precise location tracking, allowing farmers to see exactly where each cow is in the barn at any time. This is combined with accelerometer-based monitoring of rumination, activity, and eating behavior for complete behavioral insights.

Smarbow's integration with Zoetis' veterinary expertise and CLARIFIDE genomics creates a comprehensive genetic and health monitoring platform for progressive dairy operations.

Key Features

  • Real-Time Location: See where every cow is in the barn at any time
  • Rumination Monitoring: Continuous chewing and cud activity tracking
  • Activity Detection: Movement patterns for heat and health alerts
  • Heat Detection: Accurate estrus identification with timing
  • Health Alerts: Early warning for illness based on behavior changes

Advanced Features

  • Cow Finding: Navigate directly to any cow using location data
  • Area Analytics: Analyze time spent in different barn areas
  • Group Behavior: Compare individual to group patterns
  • Feeding Behavior: Monitor feed bunk attendance and patterns
  • Zoetis Integration: Connect with CLARIFIDE genomics and veterinary services

Ideal For

Farm Types: Large commercial dairies, Freestall operations, Data-driven management, Operations with cow finding challenges

Competitive Advantages

What sets Smartbow apart from alternatives:

  • Only ear tag system with real-time location tracking
  • Reduces labor time finding cows in large facilities
  • Integration with Zoetis veterinary and genomic services
  • Premium technology backed by global animal health leader
  • Comprehensive behavioral insights beyond other ear tags

Pricing Information

Here is the pricing information for Smartbow:

Premium pricing reflecting advanced location technology. Significant infrastructure investment.

Pricing Model: per-head

Contact Zoetis for detailed pricing based on facility size and requirements.

Pros & Considerations

Advantages:
  • Ear tag based monitoring with location
  • Real-time cow location in barn
  • Zoetis backing and support
  • Heat detection and health monitoring
  • Growing integration options
Considerations:
  • Infrastructure for location sensing
  • Investment in hardware and system
  • Regional availability varies
  • Learning curve for full utilization

Implementation & Setup

How to implement Smartbow on your dairy operation:

Implementation Timeline: Installation 4-8 weeks for infrastructure and calibration

Training & Support

Training and support options available for Smartbow:

Support Channels:

    Evaluation Questions

    Key questions to consider when evaluating Smartbow:

    1. Is cow finding and locating a significant labor challenge?
    2. How large is your operation and facility?
    3. Is real-time location tracking valuable for your management?
    4. Are you interested in Zoetis genomics integration?
    5. What is your budget for premium monitoring technology?
    6. What health and fertility challenges are priorities?
    7. Do you have existing Zoetis service relationships?

    Explore Activity, Heat Detection & Location Systems

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    About Zoetis

    Learn more about Zoetis and their complete product lineup on their company profile page.

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