Our technical components form the foundation of the smaXtec system. Learn more about each device below!
smaXtec System
Technical components
The main componentsof the smaXtec system
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Classic BolusThe smaXtec Classic Bolus continuously measures each cow's inner body temperature (±0.018 °F), drinking behavior (frequency and water intake), rumination and activity.
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pH Bolus
The smaXtec pH Bolus additionally measures the pH value.
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Base Station
The smaXtec Base Station automatically reads the data and transmits it to the smaXtec Cloud via the integrated SIM card.
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Climate Sensor
The smaXtec Climate Sensor provides additional information on the outside temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure in the barn.
smaXtec Classic bolus & pH bolus
Our boluses in comparison
Depending on which functions you want to use, we offer two different bolus types. You can find a comparison of the functions here:
smaXtec Classic Bolus
smaXtec ph Bolus
smaXtec Classic Bolus
smaXtec ph Bolus
Detection of inflammatory diseases
Detection of metabolic diseases
Heat detection
Calving detection
Rumination measurement
Monitoring of drinking behavior
Detection of heat stress
Detection of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA)
Detection of feeding issues
Optimization of rations
Number of boluses to be used
Each cow gets a bolus for individual monitoring.
6 to 10 % of the herd or feeding group are equipped with boluses.
Each cow gets a bolus for individual monitoring.
6 to 10 % of the herd or feeding group are equipped with boluses.
Important information: Our boluses have been developed for cattle and cannot be used on any other animal. The minimum weight for the use of boluses is 660 pounds.
Our smaXtec Classic Bolus
With the smaXtec Classic Bolus you monitor each of your cows’ health status, get notified about the time of calving and estrus, and receive important information on feeding. The smaXtec Classic Bolus is administered to every animal and provides you with valuable insights.
About our Classic Bolus
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Tested by DLG (German Agricultural Society) and certified to be rumen fluid resistant
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Size: 105 x 35mm (length x diameter)
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Battery-operated, battery life: approx. 5 years
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Internal memory: 6 days
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Relative measurement accuracy – temperature: ± 0.018 °F
Further details can be found in our product sheet
smaXtec pH BOLUS
With the multiply awarded smaXtec pH Bolus you monitor your herd’s feeding status. Additionally, you know each cow’s health status and are informed about estrus and calving. The smaXtec pH Bolus is administered to 6 to 10% of the herd and allows for conclusions about the herd’s, respectively the group’s feeding.
About our pH BOLUS
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Globally unique, patented measurement system
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Size: 132 x 35mm (length x diameter)
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Relative measurement accuracy – pH levels: pH ± 0.2 until day 90
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Battery-operated, battery life: approx. 5 years
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Relative measurement accuracy – pH levels: Day 90 – 150 pH ± 0.4
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Measurement duration pH-values: 150 days (measurement of inner body temperature, rumination and activity levels throughout the battery lifetime)
Further details can be found in our product sheet
smaXtec Base Station
No matter how large or small your farm, smaXtec offers a fitting solution. The smaXtec Base Station reads out your cow data continuously. We provide different antennas for different ranges and to cover large areas, you can simply install additional Base Stations to ensure your cow data is read out at all times. This way, you always access the latest information.
About our Base Station
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One power outlet required per read-out device
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Internet connection included through integrated SIM card
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Robust, water- and dust-proof
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Easy plug & play system, set up within a few minutes
Further details can be found in our product sheet
smaXtec Climate Sensor
Our infrastructure additionally includes the smaXtec Climate Sensor, which provides providing important information about the outside temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. You will be notified whenever the conditions could lead to heat stress for your cows. This way, you can take targeted and efficient actions to relieve the burden on your cows.
About ourClimate Sensor
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The Climate Sensor measures the outside temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure.
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The THI (Temperature Humidity Index) is calculated automatically.
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The device is battery-operated. You can replace the batteries yourself if necessary.
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If the THI is elevated and there is a risk of heat stress, smaXtec sends an alarm. You can find out more about heat stress on our blog.
Further details can be found in our product sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the smaXtec bolus so unique?
The smaXtec bolus is unique because of where it is located and what it measures. Located in the reticulum, the bolus measures internal body temperature, water intake and drinking cycles, rumination via rumen motility, activity and pH (optional). These measurements by themselves, and in combination, provide the earliest possible indications of emerging problems, long before visible symptoms appear.
Where does the smaXtec bolus measure?
The smaXtec bolus is located in the cow’s reticulum where it measures internal body temperature, water intake and drinking cycles, rumination via rumen motility, and activity.
What is the difference between the smaXtec Classic bolus and the smaXtec pH bolus?
The Classic bolus measures internal body temperature, water intake and drinking cycles, rumination via rumen motility, and activity. The smaXtec pH bolus measures pH in addition to the other parameters.
Does smaXtec really measure continuously inside the animal?
Yes, smaXtec continuously measures all parameters 24/7 in all animals equipped with a bolus.
How is data transmitted from the smaXtec bolus?
The Base Station automatically reads the data from the boluses and transfers it to the smaXtec TruD® Cloud via a built-in SIM card. You can access your herd data on your smartphone or computer.
Do I need a PC, a server or multiple antennas for smaXtec?
No, all you need is a power outlet. The base station comes equipped with an internet connection via a SIM card. Depending on the size of the barn, additional antennas and base stations can be used.
How easy is it to install smaXtec hardware?
The base station is a plug-and-play system and is ready to use within a few minutes. Once the antenna has been attached and the boluses administered, you can start using the system immediately.
What does the smaXtec Climate Sensor measure?
The smaXtec Climate Sensor measures outdoor temperature, humidity, and air pressure in the barn. The system automatically calculates the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) from these measurements and alerts you when there is an increased risk of heat stress.
Can I use smaXtec in my pasture-based herd?
Yes, the smaXtec system is suitable for pasture use. The boluses have internal data storage that can store data for up to six days if it cannot be read out immediately via a base station.
How many smaXtec Classic Boluses or smaXtec pH Boluses do I need for my herd?
For individual health monitoring, all breeding age heifers and lactating cows should receive a classic bolus. We recommend using the pH bolus in 6 to 10% of your herd or of the respective feeding group.
What can bolus technology do that collars or ear tags cannot?
The key advantage of the smaXtec bolus is its continuous measurement of internal body temperature directly in the reticulum. No external sensor system can measure this parameter. Changes in internal body temperature is considered the earliest indicator of many common diseases, including mastitis, milk fever, ketosis and pneumonia. Combined with data on water intake, drinking cycles, rumination and activity, this provides precise, individual-animal metrics for preventive and targeted health management.
How are updates carried out on the smaXtec bolus?
We continuously develop new features and improve existing ones. Software updates are implemented automatically. The smaXtec boluses receive over-the-air updates, even after they have been administered to cows.