A pilot scheme in Brazil has provided compelling new information on the health and well-being of dairy cows. Earring sensors – the bovine equivalent of a health tracker wristband – placed on cows’ necks. The sensors have led to increased milk yields and higher incomes for farmers as a result of reduced stress in the animals.The sensors provide farmers with 24/7 data on their animals’ condition and behavior, such as how much time they spend moving or resting, when and how often they eat or ruminate, their energy levels, when they are going to be ready for mating and more. The sensors can even indicate potential health issues 24 hours before they show up in the milk supply – well ahead of when a vet would traditionally be able to make a diagnosis. Nestlé covered 70% of the sensor costs, so the farmers contributed just 30%.