GEA, a global engineering company, has expanded its portfolio by acquiring CattleEye Ltd., a Northern Ireland-based agricultural software firm. This move adds a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) system to GEA’s suite of solutions for dairy farms, emphasizing the company’s commitment to enhancing animal health and welfare. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. CattleEye’s AI technology is specifically designed for the early detection of lameness in dairy cows, a condition that can lead to infertility and decreased milk production. The system employs a 2D camera and specialized software to analyze cow movement and body condition scores, providing farmers with critical data to make informed decisions about their herd’s health.
The acquisition aligns with GEA’s Next Generation Farming strategy, which focuses on improving farm productivity and financial stability through advanced technology. CattleEye was founded in 2019 by Terry Canning, a repeat AgTech entrepreneur, and Adam Askew, a senior software architect with expertise in deep learning image analytics. Since its launch in April 2021, the system has been monitoring over 100,000 cows globally. GEA’s integration of CattleEye’s AI system into its DairyNet portfolio represents a significant advancement in modern herd management, offering dairy farmers a transformative tool for maintaining animal welfare and optimizing farm operations.