Agscent’s breakthrough breath analysis and methane sensing technology holds promise to transform the agricultural sector.
In an era where agricultural sustainability and livestock health monitoring have become increasingly critical and intertwined, Agscent has emerged as a pioneer in developing cutting-edge sensing technology. The company’s innovative dual approach – combining breath analysis and methane detection – offers farmers and agricultural businesses powerful new tools for optimising operations and improving animal welfare.
Dr Bronwyn Darlington, Agscent Founder, said: “Our goal is to transform the way we monitor and manage livestock health and environmental impact.
“By combining breath analysis with methane sensing, we’re providing farmers with unprecedented insights into their operations.”
Dr Bronwyn Darlington started Agscent to leverage cutting-edge technologies developed for space, medicine, and mining combined with artificial intelligence (AI) to develop solutions that address some of farming’s most pressing challenges. An approach that is reflected through Agscent’s growing team that combines diverse skills span engineering, agricultural science, data analytics, communications, and technology development. This multidisciplinary team has been instrumental in transforming NASA-derived technology into groundbreaking agricultural solutions.
Dr Darlington explained: “We’ve taken technology designed to support missions to Mars and adapted it to improve life on Earth.
“The precision and reliability of NASA’s sensing technology provided an ideal foundation for developing our agricultural monitoring systems.”
Breakthrough in breath analysis
What sets Agscent apart is their revolutionary breath analysis technology, which enables early detection of health issues in livestock through non-invasive breath sampling. The system can detect subtle changes in breath compounds that may indicate the onset of diseases or metabolic issues before visible symptoms appear. This early warning system allows farmers to intervene promptly, potentially preventing costly health complications and improving overall herd management.
The breath analysis technology works by capturing and analysing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in animal breath. Using carbon-nanotube-based sensors coupled with machine learning algorithms, the system can identify specific biomarkers associated with various health conditions. This innovative approach represents a significant advancement over traditional health monitoring methods, which often rely on visible symptoms or invasive testing.
Comprehensive methane monitoring
Complementing their breath analysis capabilities, Agscent’s methane sensing technology provides continuous, accurate monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions across real-life agricultural production systems. Unlike traditional methane detection methods, which require expensive equipment or provide only periodic measurements, Agscent’s sensors offer real-time data at a much lower cost.
The company’s methane sensors utilise sophisticated spectroscopic technology which can operate as a standalone sensor or be incorporated in livestock infrastructure, such as the mobile weigh station designed by Optiweigh. This technology enables primary producers to measure the methane emissions of their animals in their production systems to implement targeted mitigation strategies more effectively. Measuring methane using the Agscent devices offers insights into feed efficiency and low methane genetics, increasing profitability while reducing climate impact.
Integrated smart platform
One of Agscent’s most significant innovations is the integration of both technologies into a single, user-friendly platform. Farmers can access detailed analytics from both the breath analysis and methane monitoring systems either in the Cloud or preferred management system. The platform provides easily interpretable data and instant alerts when either system detects anomalies, enabling proactive management of both animal health and emissions.
Environmental and economic impact
The agricultural sector accounts for approximately 40% of global methane emissions, while livestock health management represents a significant cost for farmers. Agscent’s dual-technology approach addresses both challenges simultaneously. By combining health monitoring with emissions tracking, the system helps agricultural businesses improve their environmental performance while potentially reducing veterinary costs and animal losses.
Ash Sweeting, Manager of Agscent USA, said: “Sick and other non-productive animals consume a disproportionate amount of farm labour, incur significant costs, produce little or no food, produce no farm income, and have a climate impact similar to productive animals. Better managing these animals is the greatest opportunity to reduce the climate impact of our food system without impacting food security.”
Looking ahead
Agscent continues to refine both technologies and expand their applications. The company’s innovative approach to agricultural monitoring signals a new chapter in farm management, where precise, real-time data from both breath analysis and methane sensing drives decision-making and sustainability efforts.
For agricultural businesses seeking to improve both their environmental impact and operational efficiency, Agscent’s integrated technology platform offers a comprehensive solution that bridges the gap between animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and practical farm management.
For investors in this exciting space, Agscent is raising capital to go beyond their pregnancy and methane products and further develop their biosecurity and disease modules and not just for cattle. This is a platform which is like a digital camera for breath – whoever is breathing is their long-term target.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 21st edition of our quarterly publication.
