A low-cost, wearable device to measure cattle emissions
ZELP Sense is a low-cost, wearable device that continuously measures methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from individual cows, in real-world settings, together with estimated dry matter intake (DMI).
It seeks to provide an accurate, affordable, and user-friendly alternative to existing measurement solutions.
How it Works
Key Benefits
A lightweight, wearable device is easily fitted to the cow.
Ambient and eructed air is sampled from close to the cow’s nostrils through the nosepiece.
Sensors in the device track emissions-related data.
Data is offloaded via WiFi and processed by ZELP’s Machine Learning models.
Users receive CH₄, CO₂ and DMI via our mobile-optimised app.
- Fast & accurate: Real-world data collection throughout the day ensures fast and precise CH₄ and CO₂ emission measurements, together with estimated DMI.
- Easy-to-use: ZELP Sense is quick and easy to fit, with minimal training of animals required. Once data has been gathered from one cow, the device can be moved to the next. Local data storage allows for it to be used in areas with intermittent connectivity.
- Easy-to-view data: Device measurements can be easily viewed on ZELP Insight, our mobile-optimised data analytics platform, and downloaded for further analysis. Insights are given for the individual cow and herd/group.
- Low-cost: ZELP Sense is mass manufacturable and significantly more affordable than existing measurement tools, with a flexible, pay-as-you-go model for data services.
- Proven effectiveness: A recent validation trial showed less than 10% error versus respiration chamber measurements. Two independent trials are pending publication.
Ideal For
- Greenhouse gas baseline assessments and inventories
- Livestock nutrition and genetics research
- Methane mitigation product development and verification
- Methane reduction and climate change mitigation studies
- Carbon credit project development
FAQs
Yes. ZELP Sense is available to order now. Our team are allocating devices from our upcoming commercial production run on a first-come, first-served basis, with delivery expected in the second half of 2026. For more information and to request a quote, please contact: sense@zelp.co.
ZELP Sense is a low-cost device, with a flexible, pay-as-you-go model for data services. For a quote, please contact: sense@zelp.co.
Yes. Several external validation trials have been completed at leading research institutions, with publications pending.
In addition, our own chamber validation work indicates ZELP Sense is able to estimate daily CH₄ and CO₂ emissions with less than 10% error compared to the gold standard, respiration chambers.
Yes. ZELP Sense can be used in all farm settings, including housed, grazing and mixed.
ZELP Sense can be used on nearly all breeds and sizes of cows. The headpiece and nosepiece come in multiple sizes to ensure optimal fit for a wide range of animals. Please get in touch with our team who can advise on specific sizing.
Yes. ZELP Sense is designed to detect changes in emissions over time, including those caused by diet changes and methane‑reducing feed additives. It has already been used in trials with commercial additives.
ZELP Sense is lightweight, comfortable and non‑invasive. Across all deployments to date, we’ve seen no evidence that wearing the device negatively affects feed intake or milk production. The cows adapt quickly and continue their normal routines while the device gathers data.
ZELP Sense can be used for single- and multi‑day deployments, enabling users to track emissions over time in real-world settings. The exact wear duration will depend on the study needs, and is something our team can advise on.
Data from ZELP Sense can be viewed on our mobile-optimised data analytics platform ZELP Insight and downloaded for further analysis. Insights are provided for individual cows and the herd/group.
ZELP Sense collects emissions-related data throughout the day, and you can choose the data package that best suits your needs– from a single daily emissions total for CO₂, CH₄ and DMI, to more frequent readings every 6 hours. Our team can help you decide which package is right for you.
ZELP Sense needs WiFi connectivity to send data from the device to ZELP’s servers for processing. However, local data storage means it can be used in areas with intermittent connectivity. The data will be stored on the device until it can be connected to WiFi.
ZELP Sense measures methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from individual cows, together with estimated DMI. At present, it does not measure hydrogen emissions. However, if this is of interest to you, please let us know and we’ll ensure we keep you updated as work in this area progresses.
The customer owns the data generated by their ZELP Sense devices. They grant ZELP a license to use this data in anonymised form to (e.g.) improve ZELP’s products and services.
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