The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology has launched a specialized center for research into modern technologies for efficient livestock farming, aimed at solving challenges in dairy cattle breeding, including diseases, feeding, and regulating temperature for successful transplantation.

Speaking at the launch of the center on April 11, 2025, at the Tengeru campus in Arusha, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Maulilio Kipanyula explained that the main task of the institution is to produce new technologies, as well as revitalize existing ones, with the goal of addressing various challenges facing society and industry.

“This center will enable dairy farmers to learn in depth how to use modern technology through a special lump device that will be placed in a cow’s stomach to determine the correct amount of food, water, and the right time to raise the temperature for transplantation,” said Prof. Maulilio Kipanyula.

He further explained that once the device is placed in the animal, it connects to the farmer’s mobile phone, enabling real-time communication. This allows farmers to monitor their livestock remotely, receiving vital information that helps them respond promptly to the animals’ needs.

“This technology will help overcome the challenge of guessing about food intake, water consumption, and heat detection in cows, which will lead to increased milk production and more frequent calving,” added Prof. Kipanyula.

Statistically, a cow should calve every year. However, due to challenges in feeding and the lack of timely information regarding the animal’s temperature, many livestock farmers experience calving intervals of two to three years, which reduces productivity.

Prof. Gabriel Shirima, Coordinator of Precision livestock farming (PLF) Project, explained that in addition to establishing the center, the project is currently supporting 100 livestock farmers across five villages in Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region. These farmers have been equipped with special devices to obtain accurate information about their animals in terms of nutrition and temperature.

“The center will focus on conducting research, identifying livestock types and their feeding needs, detecting heat in cows on time, monitoring water intake, developing and improving existing technologies, and providing training to livestock farmers in collaboration with various stakeholders,” emphasized Prof. Shirima.

This technology center operates under the Project for Precision livestock farming (PLF), funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the United States.