HerdIQ Aging is Here
A new tool for cattle pregnancy scanning has arrived!
The latest firmware update for the IBEX NXT platform now brings HerdIQ Aging to the new LiteNXT and ProNXT ultrasound systems. This AI-powered assistive tool provides a real-time estimate of bovine gestational age while you perform a normal pregnancy scan.
There’s no special scanning technique to learn, no stopping to measure, and no need for an internet connection while you’re scanning in the field.
What does HerdIQ Aging do?
As you scan, HerdIQ displays an estimated gestational age along with a confidence indicator, allowing you to see not only the estimate but also how confident the system is in that result.
Based on current field testing:
From 30–130 days, the model is typically accurate to within 3 days.
From 130–150 days, accuracy is generally within 5 days.
Beyond 150 days, fetal visibility becomes more challenging. The current estimates are less consistent and should not be relied upon for this stage.
Like any machine-learning system, performance will continue to improve as more data becomes available.
One of the things we particularly like about HerdIQ is that it is designed to recognize its limitations.
The system bases its age assessment on the fetus itself—not fluid volume, placentomes or other reproductive structures. If the available image doesn’t provide enough information for a reliable estimate, HerdIQ will withhold the result rather than give you a number with false confidence.
The confidence indicator is shown as:
Red — low confidence; do not use the result
Yellow — medium confidence; the system would like to see more of the fetus
Green — highest confidence and the goal for each scan
The more clearly you show the fetus, the better the system can assess gestational age.
Pregnancy + Aging in one system
The HerdIQ Aging license also includes the HerdIQ Pregnancy AI Assist model.
The two models don’t run simultaneously, but you can assign a programmable button to toggle between Pregnancy and Aging with a single button press.
That means you can use HerdIQ to help determine whether a cow is pregnant and then switch to Aging when you want an estimate of gestational age—all within the same scanning session.
Canadian launch pricing
HerdIQ Pregnancy AI Assist — 1 year
$700 CAD
HerdIQ Pregnancy + Aging AI — 1 year
$3,480 CAD
The Pregnancy + Aging subscription includes the Pregnancy model; you do not need to purchase the Pregnancy subscription separately.
A 3-month Aging option for beef producers
For many Canadian ranches, pregnancy checking happens once a year, typically between September and November. Paying for a full year of the Aging model doesn’t necessarily make sense if this model is not necessarily needed all year.
For Beef Pregnancy Checking you can now choose:
Pregnancy AI + Aging — 3 months
$870 CAD total
This includes 3 months of HerdIQ Pregnancy AI Assist plus a 3-month HerdIQ Aging subscription. We think this is a much more practical option for those who want to try the new Aging technology during seasonal pregnancy-checking on beef ranches without committing to a full year.
Is your NXT system compatible?
HerdIQ Aging is currently compatible with the new:
- IBEX LiteNXT
- IBEX ProNXT
It is not compatible with older generations of IBEX ultrasound systems. Your NXT system will need firmware version 2.8.1 or newer.
Activating HerdIQ Aging
Once your HerdIQ subscription has been activated, you’ll need to update your NXT system to firmware 2.8.1 if you haven’t already. You’ll then:
Accept the terms when the system starts up.
Connect the system to Wi-Fi so the active license can be verified.
Turn HerdIQ Aging on through the Scan menu.
The Aging interface will appear in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Scan as you normally would.
If you already have a LiteNXT or ProNXT and would like to add HerdIQ Aging, or if you’d like to see how it works before deciding, we’re happy to help.
For Canadian pricing, activation, questions or a demonstration:
ViiSona – Ultrasound & Education
www.viisona.com
1-800-672-9182
info@viisona.com
HerdIQ Aging is another tool in the toolbox—not a replacement for the experience and judgment of the person doing the scan. The goal is to make that scan faster, reduce the mental fatigue of repeated image interpretation, more consistent and even more useful in the field.
