Digital sensors at Hunland’s facility – advancing animal welfare and sustainable farming
Hunland is proud to take part in an international innovation project aimed at improving animal welfare and reducing environmental impact in the dairy sector through the use of cutting-edge sensor technologies.
The ET4D project is part of the European Union’s research and development program, implemented across several countries, with Hungary’s Agricultural Economics Institute (AKI) as a national participant and the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund providing financial support for the local implementation. During the Hungarian testing phase, Hunland’s calf-rearing site in Bugyi serves as one of the key pilot farms.
What does this mean in practice?
In one of our designated barns, an intelligent measuring system – the Enviro-Detect (ED) microclimate and air quality monitoring sensor – continuously tracks air quality, measuring in real time:
• ammonia and carbon dioxide levels
• indoor and outdoor temperature
• humidity and airflow
• airborne dust concentration
The sensors provide immediate alerts when any parameter reaches a level that may pose a health risk to the animals. This is crucial because, for example, high ammonia levels—originating from manure—can cause respiratory diseases, coughing, and reduced productivity.
What happens with the data?
The collected data is transferred to a developing data management system (AMR), which will later integrate additional sensors to create a modular platform capable of generating customized reports for different target groups. One of the project’s goals is to develop a simplified, affordable sensor system suitable for small farms as well.
Why is this an advancement in livestock farming?
This is not just a “smart gadget,” but a practical tool that provides real support in daily farm operations by:
• alerting early before issues arise
• supporting healthy cattle development
• reducing losses
• contributing to measurable reductions in environmental emissions
The project’s mission goes beyond animal welfare: it also aims to make modern, affordable digital solutions accessible to farmers.
At Hunland, the project is led by Eduárd Gubó, Research Project Manager, who oversees on-site testing and data validation. The system has been operating for several months, and the first results are highly promising.
