How does the bolus get read? 
The bolus is active; it transmits the data over radio regularly throughout the day to a solar powered repeater at the edge of the pen.  The repeater then forwards the data to the office computer/software where the data is analyzed and stored in a database.

How Long Does the SmartBolus™ Last?
The SmartBolus™ capsule has a battery life of four years. 

How far does it transmit?
SmartBolus™ has a range of about 400 feet to the repeater and up to 2 miles from the repeater to the computer storing and reporting the data.

Why not just take a reading as the cow enters or leaves the parlor?
Mainly two reasons: 1) It is beneficial to also get data on cows that are not currently going through the parlor (e.g. close-up and hospital).  2) Taking temperatures once or twice per day is not sufficient when you consider that the cow may be drinking around the time they go to the parlor (the temperature of the drinking water is much lower than a cow's core temperature).

Does the bolus provide a unique tracking ID for the cow?  
Yes, each bolus has an internal identifier which is transmitted wirelessly.

Does the bolus replace my current RFID system? 
The bolus system does provide a unique identifier but does not replace a wanding type of system.

Won't the system have problems with metal buildings?
We have installed systems at dairies with lots of low tin roofing and had no problem.  We always do a site survey before each install to ensure we locate the repeaters in the best places.

How hard is the installation?  Is there any special wiring required?
The system is essentially wireless.  The repeaters are typically solar powered and can be mounted on the edge of a pen without any wiring. For indoor barns, AC-wiring may be required if there is not adequate light. The bolus is, of course, wireless.  Occasionally an outdoor antenna is used at the office computer, in which case there would be a little wiring for that antenna.

Is a special computer required?
A Windows XP® computer is required.  It needs to be in good working order but does not need to be dedicated.  A battery backup (UPS) for the computer is required.
 
Is there any difficulty getting the cow to swallow the bolus?
No, it's quite straight-forward using a balling-gun.  The following is a link to a short video of bolus being inserted. Details

How many cows (boluses) can the system support?
The number is effectively unlimited.

How many cows (boluses) per repeater?
Typically around 200 cows (one pen) per repeater

Is a connection required from the computer to the Internet?
It is strongly recommended (for support).

If I'm interested in trying the SmartBolus™ system how do I proceed?
Contact us by phone or send us an email at sbsales@SmartBolus.com for further information.