The camera provides a direct view into the calving box. It provides a visual representation of the overall situation, which means that observation is still absolutely necessary. Internet-capable cameras enable transmission to mobile devices (mobile phones, laptops, etc.), allowing for spatial flexibility. The use of cameras can save a considerable amount of time, as there is no need to travel to the calving barn. Automatic alarm functions are not yet ready for practical use. Several cameras may be required to view the entire calving area. The camera system must be suitable for use under barn conditions (dust, moisture, etc.). The camera position and also the lighting conditions (infrared camera for hindsight if necessary) must be taken into account.

A sensor is inserted into the cow's vagina before the calculated calving date. The exact time varies according to the manufacturer's instructions and can range from around two weeks to a few days before birth. The sensor records either the temperature or the temperature and incidence of light. If the sensor emerges from the vagina during the birth process, the drop in temperature or the drop in temperature and the incidence of light are registered. This results in a notification. Depending on the manufacturer, there may be a high number of error messages, e.g. if the sensor falls out without the start of labour.

The birth detector at the root of the tail reacts to the holding back of the tail. In the opening phase of birth and often in the days leading up to it, this also occurs independently of excretory behaviour. Due to strong animal-specific differences in behaviour, false positive reports can occur days before birth. Devices for this measurement can either be fixed to the root of the tail or attached to the base of the tail using a chest and belly harness. The correct application must be carefully checked and regularly monitored to ensure that there are no circulatory problems in the tail and that the devices do not fall off. A too tight fit can lead to the lower half of the tail dying off within a short time.

Depending on the manufacturer, a rumen bolus records various parameters such as activity, rumination, temperature or rumen pH. Among other things, the drop in body temperature that occurs around 24 hours before birth is used to monitor the birth. The bolus is administered to the cow with a bolus enema and then remains in the reticulum for life.

Movement activity can be recorded using pedometers, collars, ear tags or rumen boluses. Changes in walking and lying behaviour in the period close to birth trigger an alarm that can indicate the imminent birth. The advantage here lies in the easy handling and secure positioning of the sensors. However, measuring activity as an indicator of calving is less reliable than other systems.

Ruminating activity can be recorded using collars, rumen boluses or ear tags. In this case, the decrease in rumination in the period close to birth is used as the basis for the alarm. This type of monitoring is less sensitive than comparable birth detection systems.