Calving season brings both hope and anxiety to cattle farmers everywhere. Every lost calf means lost income, lost genetic potential, and emotional stress for families who depend on their herds. That’s why more and more farmers in Ireland, the UK, and the USA are turning to reliable calving sensors like Moocall to prevent calf mortality and improve herd management.
Moocall’s tail-mounted calving sensor is trusted by thousands of farmers for its 95% accuracy in predicting calving, sending timely text alerts so you can act fast—day or night, rain or shine. But how much difference does this technology really make on the ground? Below, we share true-to-life stories (with names changed for privacy) that highlight how Moocall’s cattle monitoring solution is helping farmers save calves, protect their investment, and secure their farm’s future.
Read on to see how a single calving alert can mean the difference between heartbreak and success.
Article Chapters
Ireland
“A Calving Night Saved in County Cork”
Farm Profile: 55-cow dairy farm, County Cork
Situation: First-calf heifer, calving in early February
On a wild February night, farmer “Patricia O’Leary” was woken by her Moocall sensor’s early morning alert. Her best heifer, bred from years of careful selection, was about to calve. The barn was cold and the wind was fierce, but Patricia trusted the alert and arrived just in time to spot a breech birth—a complication that, according to Teagasc research, can double the risk of calf mortality if not managed quickly.
With her vet’s help, both the calf and the heifer were saved.
Financial impact: The €329 Moocall investment protected a €700 calf and a €3,000 breeding heifer—averting a loss that could have set her breeding program back years.
Emotional impact: “Without the alert, I’d have lost them both. It’s not just the money—it’s the heartbreak,” Patricia says.
Fact: Calf mortality in Ireland averages 5–8% (Teagasc). Timely intervention is the key to survival.
UK
“Twin Trouble Turned Triumph in Devon”
Farm Profile: 48-head mixed beef/dairy, Devon
Situation: Twin birth during spring calving
The “Jones” family farm has worked the Devon hills for generations. One night, a Moocall sensor triggered at 4:45 AM. One of their cows was carrying twins—a high-risk scenario, as UK data shows twin births have up to 15% higher mortality without prompt help (AHDB, 2023).
Young farmer “Ben Jones” was able to assist both calves’ arrival, saving them and the cow.
Financial impact: Two calves worth £600 each, plus the cow’s future value, protected for a one-off £239 investment.
Emotional impact: “It’s about more than profit. Moocall gave us peace of mind and kept the family legacy safe,” Ben says.
Fact: UK perinatal calf mortality is 5–10% (AHDB). Most deaths occur when farmers aren’t present at calving.
USA
“Montana Winter: A Life Saved by a Simple Text Alert”
Farm Profile: 65-head Angus herd, Montana
Situation: Harsh winter, remote calving
“Mike Thompson” manages cattle across hundreds of Montana acres, where winter calving can turn deadly fast. One bitter morning, a Moocall sensor sent a text alert at 5:30 AM. Mike found a cow struggling with a large calf in the snow. University of Nebraska Extension warns that calves born in extreme cold without help can have mortality rates over 25%.
Thanks to the timely alert, Mike intervened and saved both animals.
Financial impact: One $329 device saved a $1,200 calf and preserved the cow’s productivity for years.
Emotional impact: “Missing a calving here doesn’t just cost money—it’s gut-wrenching. The text alert put me in the right place at the right time,” Mike reflects.
Fact: Most US calf deaths happen overnight or in bad weather, when farmers aren’t present (Nebraska Extension).
Sources
- Mee, J.F. (2008). “Prevalence and risk factors for perinatal mortality in dairy herds: a review.” The Veterinary Journal, 176(1), 1-11.
- Teagasc (Ireland): Calving Management
- AHDB (UK): Calf Health Knowledge Library
- University of Nebraska Extension: Calving in Cold Weather
- Moocall sensor accuracy: Voss, A.L. (2023), “Sensitivity and specificity of a tail-activity measuring device for calving prediction in dairy cattle.”
Ready to Protect Your Herd?
Don’t leave your next calving to chance. Join thousands of farmers who trust the Moocall calving sensor to save calves, reduce stress, and boost their bottom line.
👉 Order your Moocall Calving Sensor now
👉 Got questions? Contact our support team or call your local Moocall number:
- Ireland: 01 9696 038
- UK: 0203 627 1126
- USA: 1 800 657 4291
Act today – your herd’s future depends on it!
