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GEA adds proven AI solution to portfolio with CattleEye acquisition

GEA adds proven AI solution to portfolio with CattleEye acquisition
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GEA acquires the agricultural software company CattleEye Ltd., adding a pioneering AI system for detecting lameness in cows to its portfolio. This underlines GEA's strong commitment to improving animal health and welfare.

Animal health and welfare

GEA adds proven AI solution to portfolio with CattleEye acquisition

  • AI solution CattleEye has been developed for early detection of lameness in dairy cows
  • Acquisition reinforces GEA’s commitment to animal health and welfare as part of its Next Generation Farming strategy

Düsseldorf (Germany), March 13, 2024 – GEA acquires Northern Ireland-based agricultural software company CattleEye Ltd., adding a pioneering artificial intelligence system to its existing portfolio of solutions for dairy farms. The acquisition reinforces GEA’s strong commitment to improving animal health & welfare. The parties have agreed not to disclose the financial details of the transaction.

CattleEye is an artificial intelligence system designed to quickly detect and predict lameness in cows and to provide critical data to assess the body condition score. It reflects whether animals are properly fed and in good physical condition. Next to mastitis, lameness is a major disease in dairy cows that can lead to infertility and ultimately affect milk yield. By using this AI-based software, farmers can take immediate action to improve the animal welfare and productivity.

The CattleEye system combines a 2D camera with specialized software that analyzes cow movement and body score patterns. Farmers gain unparalleled insight into their herd's health. The system can be integrated into both new and existing farms, regardless of the type of milking system.

Peter Lauwers, CEO of the GEA Farm Technologies Division: “With the trend towards larger and more automated dairy farms, the need to monitor and track animals and production is becoming increasingly important. By adding CattleEye’s advanced AI technology, we are expanding our DairyNet portfolio for modern herd management. This can be a game changer for farmers to improve herd health, farm productivity and financial stability.”

Artificial intelligence supports animal health & welfare

CattleEye was founded in 2019 by repeat AgTech entrepreneur Terry Canning, the son of a dairy farmer, and Adam Askew, a senior software architect with over 10 years of experience using deep learning image analytics to detect cancerous tumors. Launched in April 2021, the system is currently being used to monitor over 100,000 cows worldwide.

“CattleEye was born out of a vision to harness the capabilities of advanced artificial intelligence in video analytics to revolutionize the dairy industry. After starting our partnership last year, we are thrilled that GEA will be using and developing this innovative solution with our team to improve animal welfare and drive positive change in the industry,” says CEO & Co-Founder Terry Canning.

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Contact Media Relations
GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft
Anne Putz
Peter-Müller-Str. 12, 40468 Düsseldorf, Germany
Phone +49 211 9136-1500
 anne.putz@gea.com

About GEA

GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated revenues of about EUR 5.4 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2023 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customer’s production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world“.

GEA is listed on the German MDAX the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is among the companies comprising the DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability as well as Dow Jones Sustainability World and Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Indices.

More information can be found online at gea.com.