CalvingCatcher AI

Open source project - 24/7 Smart Herd Surveillance

By combining the CalvingCatcher vision model with the AI detector, we create an automated warning system that monitors cows in real-time to detect the specific stages of calving.

The Basics

  • 24/7 Monitoring: The program continuously monitors a live camera stream directed at the maternity pen.
  • Artificial Intelligence: It uses AI to automatically recognize calving signs. Trained on the Ultralytics Yolo framework for speed and accuracy.
  • Instant Alerts: Upon detection, an instant photo and video alert is sent directly to your phone via Telegram or Home Assistant.
  • Non-intrusive: Your cameras remain fully functional for live viewing; we simply use an additional stream.
  • Local Processing: Everything runs locally on your own computer in the barn, house, or office.
Calving monitoring basics
Hardware Setup / The Basics

The "Smart" Part

Learned Behavior: Just as you recognize a calving cow, this model is trained by farmers using real-world barn data to spot the water bag, legs, and head.

Confidence Score: The system assigns a score to each detection to indicate how certain it is of the calving stage.

How it works in practice

  • Continuous Monitoring: The camera films the cows all day.
  • Smart Analysis: Every few seconds, the program analyzes the activity.
  • Detection: Upon a reliable detection of a calving stage, the system begins saving frames.
  • The Perfect Shot: Multiple seconds of footage are collected to capture the best possible moment.
  • Sending Notifications: You receive a "Calving Detected" notification with the clearest images on your phone.
AI analysis of calving

Important considerations – You are in control

A tool, not a replacement: AI can sometimes trigger a false alarm. You make the final decision.

Animal Identification: The system does not read ear tags. You must identify the specific cow in the photo yourself.

Physical checks remain crucial: Always head to the barn to confirm the situation when every second counts.

An extra pair of eyes: See it as a digital assistant for the moments you aren't there. Your expertise is indispensable.

Practical Workflow: Receive Alert → View Photo → Identify Animal → Physical Check → Take Action

Why this system is valuable

  • You don't have to constantly watch the cameras yourself.
  • You won't miss a calving event, even in the middle of the night.
  • Instant alerts allow you to act fast when every second counts.
  • Track the exact progression of the birth from the first signs.
Insights and value

Data & Privacy

  • Local Hosting: Your data never leaves your farm. The program runs completely locally.
  • Requirements: The PC must be on and connected to the internet to send notifications.
  • Platforms: We use Telegram or Home Assistant for alerts.
  • Storage: Images are kept on your own PC. Only the best images are forwarded.
  • Continuous Improvement: You can help train the program further.

What you need

  • A Computer: Low cost consumer hardware, preferably with an NVIDIA graphics card (GTX 1000-series or newer).
  • IP Camera: Connect your existing IP/wifi cameras via RTSP.
  • POE Switch: To provide power and data to wired cameras.
  • LAN Cable: For a stable connection.
  • Internet Connection.

What we provide

  • The Trained AI Model: The vision "engine" trained on real-world calving data.
  • Privacy: The model contains no imagery from other farms.
  • Open Source Software: A versatile AI detector downloaded automatically upon startup.