Merck Animal Health Introduces SENSEHUB® Cow Calf

Proprietary technology assists with breeding success in herds that use artificial insemination and embryo transfer, plus alerts caregivers to cows needing attention

RAHWAY, N.J., October 1, 2024 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the introduction of SENSEHUB^® Cow Calf, remote monitoring technology designed to help optimize breeding results with less labor for cow/calf producers, including seedstock and club calf producers, who use artificial insemination (AI) or embryo transfer (ET)

          SENSEHUB Cow Calf monitors behaviors that help to detect estrus, determine ideal insemination windows, and uncover potential reproductive issues faster than human observation alone. The technology continuously analyzes data being collected and delivers convenient alerts to smartphones, tablets, or desktop computers, saving producers time typically required for visually observing heats.

          “For producers using AI or ET, SENSEHUB Cow Calf takes the guesswork out of identifying the breeding window,” said Lauren Wottlin, research and development field trials manager, Merck Animal Health. “Reproductive efficiency is critical, especially in high-value animals. Automated heat detection helps to determine when an individual cow or heifer is in estrus, so you can inseminate her at the best time to optimize conception rates and minimize calving intervals.”

          The technology, which features a new algorithm, also improves the ability to address reproductive issues. It helps to identify a heifer or cow that does not conceive earlier than ultrasound or traditional pregnancy checks. Animals not having regular cycles are identified, and a report can be generated for animals suspected of aborting.

          An additional benefit to the technology is the ability to continuously keep an eye on herd and individual animal well-being.

          “By tracking activity and rumination with an ear-mounted accelerometer in real-time, the system can alert you early when a cow or heifer needs attention,” Wottlin said. “Early detection and intervention can improve treatment outcomes, plus give you peace of mind knowing your animals are being monitored.”

          SENSEHUB Cow Calf integrates with several cattle management platforms and will be available directly via online ordering through the Merck Animal Health website.

          Minimal hardware is needed, and the system is easy to install. Data recorded and analyzed by SENSEHUB Cow Calf is used to create simple-to-read, understandable dashboards. It is backed up and stored in a secure, cloud-based system. SENSEHUB Cow Calf ear tags also illuminate and flash, making it easier for caregivers to find animals flagged by the system.

          SENSEHUB Cow Calf is part of the SENSEHUB family of brands from Merck Animal Health, providing advanced monitoring technology to give actionable insights to cow/calf, stocker, feedlot and dairy producers for optimal herd productivity and management.

          “Merck Animal Health is committed to advancing the health, productivity and well-being of cattle and contributing to the ongoing success of our customers’ operations,” said Kevin Mobley, executive director of cattle sales and marketing at Merck Animal Health. “SENSEHUB Cow Calf is another example of using monitoring innovation to bring insights-driven solutions to our customers.”

          For more information about SENSEHUB Cow Calf, visit SenseHub-CowCalf.com.

SENSEHUB technologies are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease in animals. For the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of diseases in animals, you should consult your veterinarian. The accuracy of the data collected and presented through this product is not intended to match that of medical devices or scientific measurement devices.

About Merck Animal Health

          At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals^®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA

          This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

          Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

          The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

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