Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about Moonsyst's system.
Farm
What do I need to do to set-up the system?
Boluses and Gateway(s)/Base Station(s) arrive preconfigured and ready for use ‘out-of-the-box’. Moonsyst will provide user installation and onboarding training.
Can I use the boluses in grazing animals?
Yes. The boluses has a large memory capacity which can store the data for days. Also the gateways can communicate within the range of 400 meters. If you have any other specific question please contact the support team info@moonsyst.com.
Do I need internet on the farm?
No internet is not needed on the farm, the Gateway/Base Station can also connect via a SIM card (similar to mobile/cell phone).
Animal
How do I know the bolus won’t harm my cows?
Boluses of similar sizes to the Moonsyst bolus have been deployed into cattle since the mid 2000’s, with no reported issues to the animals. The Moonsyst Bolus has been certified by a veterinarian university for use in cattle above 350Kgs and is CE approved.
What age does the animal have to be before inserting the bolus?
The bolus administration does not depend on age but more on weight. 350+ Kg is required.
Can bolus be inserted into a pregnant cow/heifer?
Yes.
What’s the lifetime of the bolus?
The bolus is designed to have a battery life of 6+ years, but can be extended by changing sensitivity settings, if required. It stays in the rumen for the whole life of an animal.
How many devices do I need?
Each animal needs one bolus. The number of Gateways are depending on the farm size. Contact us at: info@moonsyst.com and we can quickly assess.
Technical
What is the size and weight of the bolus?
100mm length, 32mm diameter and weight of 200 grams. The bolus is designed for all farming systems e.g. grain feed and/or pastures.
How to administer the bolus do I need any special equipment?
A cattle bolus gun can be used.
Can the Gateway be used to collect data from other devices/sensors, along with boluses?
The Gateway is preconfigured to communicate with the Moonsyst boluses. If you require to connect other devices, please contact us.
What happens when the bolus is out of range from the gateway?
The bolus will continue to gather data (for a number of days) and send all data once a connection is established to the Gateway.
Can I change the sensitivity of the bolus after it is inserted into the animal i.e. frequency it sends information?
Yes, this is an advanced setting. It is recommended that these changes are made by Moonsyst trained personnel.
Is this solution based on internet connection?
Yes, the Moonsyst solution is an IoT (Internet of Things) system. The gateways are equipped with a sim card but if the coverage is poor (less than 3G) in your area, the gateway can be wired directly onto the internet via a local router.
What materials are the bolus made of?
The bolus is made of Polyoxymethylene (POM) and coated with an acid proof resin. The boluses are CE marked and approved by the Veterinarian University of Hungary for use within animals.
Can the software be updated to meet my specific farm requirements?
Customer feedback is crucial for Moonsyst and we will happily work with our customers to improve our offering. Please don’t hesitate contacting us to discuss further.
Financial
Can the bolus be reused?
Yes, if the boluses can be retrieved after culling.
Is there an annual charge for software?
No. The Mooncloud software is Free of Charge.
What warranty comes with the bolus?
3 years from the date of issue. Extended warranties available on request. Please contact us to discuss further details.
I often sell cows at 2 years, can I retrieve the bolus?
Moonsyst wants to ensure all our customers get a return on their investment with a payback of less than 2 years. If an animal is removed from the herd, please contact us and we can offer discounts on future purchases.
How much does the system cost?
Cost will depend on the size of herd, local taxes, grants etc. however typically costs average in the region of €100/animal for the standard bolus.
Is the pH/ORP bolus more expensive?
Yes the pH bolus is designed primarily for research projects and is in the region of 4X the cost of the standard Smart Rumen Bolus(es).
How do I get a quote?
Please see ‘Contact’ page for your local representative and they will be delighted to discuss with you.
Is there an annual or monthly charge for software, SIM etc?
There are no monthly or yearly subscription charges. The Mooncloud software is Free of Charge and SIM tops-up are managed by Moonsyst.
What warranty comes with the bolus and gateway?
3 years from the date of issue. Extended warranties available on request. Please contact us to discuss further details.
If I lose a cow and the bolus, can the bolus be retrieved and reused?
Yes the bolus can be reused, however if the bolus was in use for less than 2 years, please contact us and we offer a discount on a new bolus.
Other
What advantages does the bolus have above alternative monitoring systems?
The bolus is an in vivo solution (works from inside the animal). A healthy rumen = a healthy cow, so why not monitor it! The bolus approach offers all the benefits of wearables, plus a lot more. Water intakes, rumination, internal temperature, silent heats and cavling alerts are possible with the bolus, something that individual wearables cannot do. With the bolus, data integrity is also rock solid. One Bolus : One Animal. This will be critical in the future as more pressure is placed on farmers for traceability and sustainability. Invest in the future, invest in Moonsyst’s Smart Rumen Monitoring Solution for your farm!
What aftercare support do you provide?
Contact support@moonsyst.com and we will respond within 24 hours.
Is it possible to run a trial?
Yes, Moonsyst is very open to running trials with new customers. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
