FOR the past 18 years, we have used the Foalert alarm system for almost 200 individual foalings here at Lisieux Stud.

An alarm system is a cost effective and reliable solution for small to medium stud farms who may not have the volume of mares to warrant a dedicated night watchman.

The Foalert alarms are sutured onto both sides of the mare’s vulva and can be easily installed in the period coming up to the mare’s due date. Once the foal starts to emerge and the vulva lips separate, a small magnet is separated from the main unit and the transmitter in the vulva sends a silent radio signal to a receiver located near the foaling box and this in turn activates an alarm situated in the house.

It is possible to mount several alarms in different locations. The system can be tailored to suit the individual farm’s needs and the system can be configured to dial a mobile phone number when the alarm is triggered also. Transmitters work over long ranges and are very effective at detecting mares about to foal, even when out in the paddock.

Cost is a big factor when using an alarm system. An initial cost which includes transmitters, installation of a receiver unit and a hard wired alarm at another location is about €2,000 but can vary. Replacement transmitter units cost €280 each and when you buy four you get a fifth free. The transmitters last for about four to five uses before they need to be serviced/replaced and have a total transmission time of about three hours.

Once installed, the Foalert system is very low maintenance, the transmitters only need to be tested once prior to being installed and can be cleaned after each use with an antibacterial disinfectant and hot water. During the past 18 years, we have never once had a malfunction or a false alarm.

There are several other alternatives to the Foalert system, some are activated when the mare’s temperature increases and she starts to sweat. Another alternative is the BirthAlarm system which is attached in a similar way to an anti-cast roller. This system activates an alarm whenever the mare lies on her side for more than 30 seconds. This has also proved effective in many Irish stud farms.

One drawback to this system however is that some mares have a tendency to lie down every night and as a result, some false alarms can be expected with these mares when using the BirthAlarm system.

Dos and don’ts when using alarm systems:

DO

  • Test each transmitter before installing.
  • Disinfect each unit thoroughly after use.
  • Check the transmitter each day and ensure both sides are well sutured in.

    • DO not

  • Forget to check the mare regularly, alarms can’t tell you if your mare is losing milk or detect any other critical problems.
  • Assume the alarms will work everywhere. Test the alarms from all paddocks. Large solid objects, especially metal will impact the transmission distances and extra receivers may need to be installed.

    • For more information, see www.abfohlsystem.de/ - European Distributor

    foalert.com/