Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is From farm data analytics to decisions: digital monitoring tools in modern cattle operations. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos, Head of Research and Innovation at FeedInov CoLAB.
This episode explores how digital monitoring tools are transforming modern cattle farming by converting raw sensor data into actionable decisions. From wearable sensors to advanced milking systems and environmental monitors, the article reviews key technologies enabling precision livestock farming (PLF). It also outlines how structured data pipelines, analytics models, and farm workflows work together to support timely, reliable, and welfare-aligned decisions. With insights into the practical implementation of analytics—from descriptive dashboards to prescriptive recommendations—this piece emphasizes both the opportunities and the challenges of integrating technology into daily farm management.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Livestock health monitoring: point-of-care innovations transforming cattle practice. A content developed by Marcelo Leitão, Researcher at FeedInov CoLAB.
Point-of-care diagnostics are revolutionizing livestock health monitoring by providing fast, on-farm results that empower vets and farmers to make timely, informed decisions. From lateral flow tests and portable ultrasound to molecular platforms and emerging “lab-on-a-chip” systems, these tools are making disease detection more efficient and accessible. This episode explores how these innovations improve early diagnosis, support sustainable treatments, reduce costs, and enhance animal welfare—ultimately enabling a smarter, more responsive approach to cattle health management.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is How rotational grazing improves soil health and cattle productivity. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos, Head of Research and Innovation at FeedInov CoLAB.
In this episode, we explore how rotational grazing systems enhance both soil health and cattle productivity, particularly in Mediterranean and Southern European regions. Unlike continuous grazing, which often leads to soil compaction, overgrazing, and reduced forage, rotational systems allow pastures to rest and regenerate, promoting deeper roots, better water retention, and increased organic matter. We also delve into adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing—a more advanced, flexible approach that boosts biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and resilience to drought. The article outlines practical steps for successful implementation, highlighting how thoughtful design, monitoring, and adaptive management can lead to significantly higher and more stable livestock output per hectare.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Modelling the economics of reproductive efficiency. A content developed by Federico Randi, Ruminants Global Technical Manager at Ceva.
In this episode, we explore how systematic fertility programs can revolutionize reproductive efficiency in dairy herds. Based on a recent study by Wicaksono et al. (2024), the article compares traditional estrus-based insemination with proactive, hormone-based protocols such as FTAI, FTAI+ED, and ED+TAI. Using an advanced simulation model, the study demonstrates that systematic approaches significantly reduce calving intervals, enhance milk production, and ultimately increase farm profitability—even when considering higher costs for hormones and labor. Listeners will gain insights into the economic and biological mechanisms behind these improvements and why such programs may offer strategic value, particularly for farms with suboptimal estrus detection.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Precision Livestock Farming: Digital Tools Every Practitioner Should Know. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos, Head of Research and Innovation at FeedInov CoLAB.
In this episode, we discuss how Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is transforming livestock management through digital tools like sensors, cameras, and AI analytics. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of animal health and behavior, improving efficiency, early disease detection, and sustainability. PLF is essential for enhancing animal welfare and farm sustainability in today’s data-driven agriculture.
The key to success with PLF lies in integrating these tools into daily operations. Skilled practitioners must interpret the data to make informed decisions that optimize health, feeding, and reproduction processes, ensuring that technology supports better farming practices.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is BTV-3 in Europe: what has happened since the beginning of summer 2025?. A content developed by Philippe Gisbert, Ruminants Global Technical Manager at Ceva.
In this episode, we analyze the evolving situation of Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) across Europe in the summer of 2025. Two years after its arrival, BTV-3 is now considered enzootic in several countries, showing patterns similar to serotype 8 in past years. The article provides a detailed breakdown of the current epidemiological status in Western, Northern, and now Eastern and Southern Europe, highlighting the ongoing spread and resurgence in countries like France, Germany, Spain, and Austria. The report also discusses the recent expansion into new regions such as the Czech Republic, Romania, and Greece, underlining the virus’s persistent threat and the growing need for continued monitoring and vaccination efforts.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Optimizing sheep feed: what every farmer should know. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos, Head of Research and Innovation at FeedInov CoLAB.
Feeding represents one of the most significant costs and challenges in sheep farming, with major implications for animal health, productivity and reproduction. In this article, Ana Sofia Santos outlines the fundamental nutritional needs of sheep, explores how feeding strategies should adapt based on production goals—meat, milk, or wool—and introduces sustainable innovations like alternative feeds and precision supplementation. Emphasis is placed on fiber intake, vitamin and mineral balance, and the critical role of feeding and watering synchronization. The content is highly relevant for veterinarians and farmers seeking practical, science-based insights to optimize feed efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance overall flock performance across diverse production systems.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Top-3 benefits of colostrum replacer for calves. A content developed by Brigitte Trezzani, Ruminants Global Technical Manager at Ceva.
Colostrum replacers are essential in calf management, especially when maternal colostrum is unavailable or inadequate. This article explains how they replicate the key components of natural colostrum—providing immunoglobulins, energy, and vital nutrients—to ensure newborn calves receive the immunity and nutrition they need. It also highlights their added value as preventive and therapeutic agents that help reduce disease incidence, lower antimicrobial use, and improve overall calf health beyond the first feeding.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is The importance of progesterone in pregnancy establishment in cattle breeding. A content developed by Pat Lonergan, Professor of Animal Reproduction at University College, Dublin.
Discover how progesterone shapes fertility and pregnancy success in cattle. This episode explains the hormone’s crucial role before and after ovulation—enhancing oocyte quality, supporting uterine receptivity, and promoting embryo development. Learn how optimal progesterone levels boost conceptus growth, pregnancy recognition, and overall reproductive performance in ruminants.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Optimizing cryptosporidium treatment in neonatal calves. A content developed by Damien Achard Ruminants Global Technical Manager at Ceva.
In this episode, we explore the critical findings of a recent study evaluating the effectiveness of different dosages of paromomycin for treating cryptosporidiosis in neonatal calves. This parasitic disease, known for causing diarrhea and stunted growth, poses a major threat to young calves and farm productivity. The research, conducted by Ceva Santé Animale in collaboration with the University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, highlights that a dosage of 150 mg/kg over five days significantly improves clinical outcomes. Calves treated at this level showed faster recovery, a notable reduction in diarrhea, and greater weight gain, underscoring the importance of correct dosing for effective disease management and enhanced animal welfare.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Reproductive management of water buffaloes. A content developed by Pietro S Baruselli and Federico Randi.
This episode explores the crucial topic of improving reproductive efficiency in water buffaloes, an essential species to dairy and meat production across many regions. You'll learn about the key biological factors shaping reproductive management, the latest fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols, and their seasonal adaptations, as well as strategic re-synchronization methods. The article also highlights how advanced embryo technologies are accelerating genetic progress. Together, these biotechnologies are transforming herd management, driving genetic gain, and enabling more efficient and sustainable buffalo farming.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Kind Words, Calm Cows: The Power of a Gentle Voice in Cattle Behavior. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos.
This episode explores the subtle yet powerful influence of the human voice on cattle welfare and behavior. Drawing on recent scientific studies, it highlights how cattle are highly attuned to auditory cues and can distinguish between gentle and harsh tones. Calm, consistent vocal interactions have been shown to reduce stress, improve handling outcomes, and even enhance productivity by activating beneficial physiological responses such as reduced cortisol levels and increased oxytocin release. Practical guidelines are provided to help farmers and handlers incorporate gentle vocal techniques into daily routines, addressing both the benefits and the challenges of implementation in farming environments.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is The Hidden Power of Barn Lighting for Cattle Wellbeing and Performance. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos.
In this episode, we delve into how light—often underestimated in barn management—plays a crucial biological role in cattle physiology. Listeners will learn how photoperiods influence circadian rhythms, hormonal balance, milk production, growth, and stress levels. The article explores how tailored lighting strategies, including the use of advanced LED systems and spectral tuning, can enhance welfare and productivity across dairy and beef systems. With practical recommendations for lactating cows, dry cows, calves, and beef cattle, this content highlights how managing light is becoming a powerful tool in precision livestock farming.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Ketoprofen as an alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of non-severe mastitis in dairy cows. A content developed by Philippe Gisbert.
Mastitis is a widespread and economically impactful condition in dairy farming, traditionally treated with antibiotics. However, rising concerns over antibiotic resistance and milk discard during withdrawal periods have sparked interest in alternative approaches. In this episode, we explore a recent study by Krömker et al. (2025), which evaluates the efficacy of ketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, as a standalone initial treatment for non-severe mastitis in dairy cows. With 222 cases across three German farms, the study compared outcomes between ketoprofen and intramammary antibiotics, assessing cure rates, recurrence, and milk losses. While ketoprofen showed slightly lower cure rates, it dramatically reduced antibiotic usage and milk wastage, offering a promising strategy for more sustainable mastitis management.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Sheep breeding, how rams influence fertility and genetics. A content developed by Simon de Graaf (Professor at the University of Sydney, FRSN, FSRB).
Rams play a key role in flock fertility, genetic progress, and overall breeding efficiency. In this article, we explore key aspects of ram management, from reproductive physiology and the impact of nutrition and environmental stressors, to the importance of Breeding Soundness Evaluations and optimal joining ratios. We also look at how genetic selection can accelerate flock improvement and discuss innovative tools such as melatonin supplementation to enhance fertility and extend the breeding season. This comprehensive approach highlights why careful ram preparation and management are essential for reproductive success in sheep farms.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is How temperature and humidity affect cattle feed intake. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos (Head of Research and Innovation at FeedInov CoLAB).
Temperature and humidity have a direct and significant impact on cattle feed intake, which in turn affects animal welfare, productivity, and efficiency. This article explores the physiological responses of cattle to thermal stress, explaining how heat stress leads to reduced feed consumption due to metabolic heat production, while cold stress prompts increased intake to support thermoregulation. It emphasizes the role of the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) as a valuable tool in identifying risk thresholds for heat stress and outlines key mitigation strategies, including diet adjustments and environmental modifications to maintain animal health and performance in both hot and cold climates.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is The science behind cows and music: can tunes really boost welfare and milk production?. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos (Head of Research and Innovation at FeedInov CoLAB).
Can music really improve cow welfare and productivity? This episode explores the growing body of scientific research on how auditory stimuli, particulary classical and calming music, can influence dairy cow welfare and milk yield. From the neurological and hormonal responses triggered by soothing melodies to improved behavioral patterns and environmental enrichment, we dive into how music affects stress levels, oxytocin production, immune function, and overall barn environment. With insights from recent studies, this article provides practical recommendations for using music as a tool to enhance both animal wellbeing and dairy farm efficiency.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Cattle drinking water: what all beef practitioners need to know about this forgotten nutrient. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos (Head of Research and Innovation at FeedInov CoLAB).
Water, often overlooked in ruminant nutrition, plays a critical role in beef cattle health and productivity. This article highlights why water is not just essential, but foundational: constituting the majority of body and rumen content, driving thermoregulation, and directly impacting average daily gain (ADG). It explores how both quantity and quality of water intake affect cattle performance in feedlot and pasture systems, and details signs of dehydration that beef practitioners must recognize early.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Infertility in dairy cows: Q fever herd prevalence is similar across reproductive disorders. A content developed by Philippe Gisbert, Ruminants Global Technical Manager.
In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked role of Q fever in reproductive issues among dairy cattle. Although Q fever is typically associated with dramatic symptoms like abortion in small ruminants, its impact in dairy herds is more insidious—manifesting as infertility, metritis, and other disorders. Drawing on a multi-year study presented at ISWAVLD 2025, we take a closer look at data from over 2,000 dairy herds across Europe, North Africa, and Canada, which reveals that Coxiella burnetii prevalence is similar in herds with the ASPW complex and those with other, less visible reproductive challenges. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating Q fever diagnostics into fertility management plans, even in the absence of classical signs like abortion.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro.
Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is The 6 Most Widely Used Forages in Cattle Feed. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos (Head of Research and Innovation at FeedInov CoLAB).
In this episode, we explore the essential role of forage in cattle nutrition and dive into the six most widely used forages across diverse production systems and climates: alfalfa, corn silage, bermudagrass, timothy grass, ryegrass, and clover. You'll learn about each forage's nutritional value, conservation methods—such as hay, silage, and haylage—and suitability for various cattle operations. Whether you're managing a dairy herd or beef farm, this episode offers practical insights to support better forage planning and livestock performance.
If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro