Glass-Encapsulated Thermistor for Livestock Temperature-Sensing Ear Tags

Ear tags are one of the identifiers used to verify the identity of livestock, carrying individual information about the animals. An NTC thermistor is embedded in the ear tag to continuously track whether the animal’s body temperature exhibits abnormal fluctuations to achieve scientific breeding and enable real-time monitoring of livestock physiological characteristics. During livestock farming, temperature changes are a key indicator for assessing health status and determining readiness for the market, with abnormal temperatures serving as a critical parameter for identifying health issues.

Structure of the Ear Tag

The ear tag consists of a tag needle, needle seat, temperature measurement module, main tag, auxiliary tag, and integrated circuit board. The primary tag includes the ear tag needle and needle seat. Inside the needle seat, the temperature measurement module comprises a power supply unit, temperature sensor module, communication module, and microprocessor. Two NTC thermistors on the temperature sensor module for temperature detection are housed in the third compartment and secured with epoxy resin adhesive.

Role of  NTC Thermistors in Livestock Health Monitoring

Livestock body temperature reflects their health status. NTC thermistors can monitor cyclical temperature changes to determine potential health abnormalities. The temperature collector uploads the collected ID and temperature parameters to a server, enabling breeders to analyze trends and decide on necessary adjustments. The applications of NTC thermistors in livestock temperature monitoring include:

1. Temperature Monitoring

NTC thermistors embedded in ear tags enable real-time tracking of animal body temperature. Their high sensitivity to temperature variations allows precise detection of minor changes, providing breeders with timely health data.

2. Health Management

NTC thermistors facilitate the creation of temperature trend curves by continuously monitoring body temperature and transmitting data wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth or RFID) to farm management systems or mobile devices. Breeders can promptly identify signs of fever, infection, or other health issues. This data-driven approach supports informed decision-making to ensure livestock health and productivity.

Technical Features

The NTC thermistors used in livestock ear tags employ glass encapsulation technology, offering essential waterproofing. With a compact head size of 0.8mm and Dumet wire welding at the tail, they feature fast response times, small dimensions, and ease of installation. Developed by EXSENSE, these  glass-encapsulated thermistors are also widely used in e-cigarettes, body temperature detection, consumer electronics, and aerospace applications.

Conclusion

Integrating NTC thermistors in livestock ear tags enables precise temperature monitoring and enhances health management efficiency. This provides breeders with scientific data to optimize livestock care. Through real-time monitoring and data analysis, breeders can swiftly detect issues and implement corrective measures, safeguarding animal health and productivity.