About ZELP Sense
ZELP Sense is a low-cost, easy-to-use system for continuously monitoring emissions from individual cows in real-world settings. It requires minimal animal adaptation and provides up to four methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission estimates per day (g/day), alongside daily dry matter intake (DMI) estimates (kg/day – in beta).
The ZELP Sense wearable device collects emissions-related data from close to the cow’s nostrils, which is then processed using ZELP’s proprietary algorithms. Results are delivered, in grams per day, via ZELP Insight, a mobile-optimised web application.
ZELP Sense provides up to four methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and dry matter intake (DMI) estimates. Depending on the sampling mode selected, users receive either up to four CH₄ and CO₂ emissions estimates per day, or one daily CH₄ and CO₂ emissions estimate, all in g/day. DMI is provided as one daily estimate in kg/day.
Yes. ZELP Sense offers two sampling modes, allowing users to prioritise either data granularity or trial duration, depending on their study needs.
Mode 1: Optimised for granularity
The device samples continuously, starting from the trial start time entered in ZELP Insight. Users receive up to four CH₄ and CO₂ emissions estimates per day, in g/day, plus one daily DMI estimate, in kg/day. Each CH4 and CO2 estimate represents the average emission rate over the previous six hour period and is plotted at the start of that six hour period. Users can toggle between viewing all four emissions estimates or a combined daily estimate in ZELP Insight.
Mode 2: Optimised for duration:
The device samples continuously for one hour every four hours, starting when it is fitted to the animal and turned on. Users receive one daily CH₄ and CO₂ emissions estimate, in g/day, and one daily DMI estimate, in kg/day. Each estimate is based on the previous 24 hours of data and is plotted each day at the trial start time entered in ZELP Insight.
Mode 1: Optimised for granularity
The device samples continuously, starting from the trial start time entered in ZELP Insight. Users receive up to four CH₄ and CO₂ emissions estimates per day, in g/day, plus one daily DMI estimate, in kg/day. Each CH4 and CO2 estimate represents the average emission rate over the previous six hour period and is plotted at the start of that six hour period. Users can toggle between viewing all four emissions estimates or a combined daily estimate in ZELP Insight.
Mode 2: Optimised for duration:
The device samples continuously for one hour every four hours, starting when it is fitted to the animal and turned on. Users receive one daily CH₄ and CO₂ emissions estimate, in g/day, and one daily DMI estimate, in kg/day. Each estimate is based on the previous 24 hours of data and is plotted each day at the trial start time entered in ZELP Insight.
Deployments and suitability
Yes. ZELP Sense is designed for use across housed, grazing and mixed systems.
Yes. ZELP Sense can be used across a wide variety of breeds and sizes. During the ordering process, we’ll ask for details about the cows you plan to use ZELP Sense with, so we can help you select the right size headpieces and nosepieces.
Yes, ZELP Sense can typically be used alongside existing wearables, such as ear tags and neck collars. As the data is offloaded from the device via WiFi, generally does not interfere with data transmissions from other wearables, which typically use LoRaWAN communication.
ZELP Sense uses WiFi to offload data from the device to ZELP’s cloud infrastructure for processing. If connectivity is intermittent, the device can store data locally until it is able to connect to WiFi.
ZELP Sense devices are designed for multi-day deployments, enabling users to track emissions over time in real-world settings. Wear duration will depend on the study objectives, selected sampling mode, battery life and animal welfare considerations. Our team can advise on the most suitable deployment plan.
Data and accuracy
Data from ZELP Sense can be viewed on our mobile-optimised web application ZELP Insight and downloaded for further analysis. Insights are provided for individual cows and the herd/group.
ZELP Sense is designed to deliver results soon after deployment, with outputs typically available in days, not weeks. Results are viewable in ZELP Insight once data has been offloaded from the device and processed by ZELP’s proprietary algorithms.
ZELP Sense’s emissions estimates have been evaluated through multiple trials, including studies conducted in partnership with leading research institutions. Initial evaluation papers are available here, with additional trial results and publications to follow. DMI outputs are currently in beta and users will be updated once this feature is fully released.
Each customer owns the data generated by their ZELP Sense devices. They grant ZELP a license to process this data and use it in an anonymised form to support ZELP’s products and services.
Yes. Users can download their data as a .csv file from the ZELP Insight platform. We actively welcome opportunities to develop API integrations to help customers connect ZELP Sense data with existing farm management, herd management, and carbon accounting tools. Please get in touch if this is of interest.
Animal welfare and robustness
ZELP Sense has been designed and tested on farm, with over 20,000 hours of real-world deployment. The headpiece is made from breathable neoprene to reduce heat build-up and rubbing, and comes in multiple sizes to support a comfortable, secure fit. The nosepiece has a flexible baffle arm to allow cows to eat, drink and groom without obstruction, as well as an integrated backflush system to help reduce clogging. The gas sensing unit is fitted with a breakaway mechanism, designed to detach if the device becomes caught.
During development and testing, cattle behaviour was monitored by animal scientists and veterinarians. Observations from these trials showed that cattle typically only exhibited a brief behavioural response to device fitting before quickly returning to their normal behavior.
The ZELP Sense device is designed for long-term use in real-world conditions. The gas sensing unit comes with a one-year warranty, and replacement components may be ordered as needed. The exact lifespan of each component will depend on use conditions, handling, and maintenance.
The ZELP Sense device is designed to be used across multiple animals. Cleaning guidance is provided in our Instructions for Use document; however, users are responsible for ensuring that their own protocols comply with local regulations and internal organisational standards.
System security
ZELP will provide security updates for ZELP Sense until at least September 28, 2028. This is the minimal support date and may be extended in the future. Security updates are delivered remotely over the air, they do not require an action from the user, and are provided free of charge. To report a security vulnerability, see zelp.co/vulnerability-disclosure-policy.