Beyond official milk recording, obtained with ICAR certified devices, results from devices also supports farm management by providing insights into production, animal health, welfare, and sustainability, often enhanced by mathematical models and algorithms. Given the diversity of applications, a single evaluation protocol is impractical; instead, ICAR offers claim validation for solutions outside official milk recording to ensure user trust while allowing flexibility in development.
ICAR validation ensures that a device (e.g. milk meters for cows and sheep/goats, automatic milking system (AMS) device, milk analysis device, on farm at/in line milk analyzer, sensor device) meets manufacture performance claims through ICAR-approved test plans conducted by a qualified ICAR Test Center.
Successful validation confirms that the system can reliably deliver quality data when used correctly, leading to the award of an ICAR Certificate of Validation.
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Submit the application form to request a validation now.
- Clear description of all components of system – ID, components, software, etc.
- System technical manual
- Farm operator manual
- Internal research and validation studies
- Peer reviewed publications
- Software manual for use of the system devices
- Installation procedure
- Routine test or periodic checking procedures for service technicians
- Technical characteristics, drawings and 2D/3D pictures of the device
Validation procedure
- The applicant submits an application form
- The application is reviewed, and the Test Centre is designated.
- The Test Centre prepares the test plan, detailing the timeline and associated costs.
- ICAR provides the applicant with an umbrella contract and invoice for test fees, along with the test plan.
- Testing begins upon signing of the contract by the applicant and full payment of the test fees.
- Upon test completion, ICAR disseminates the report to the MRSD Sub-Committee for review, comments, and recommendations.
- ICAR forwards the report to the applicant and issues the official ICAR Certificate upon successful completion of the test.
- The certified device/system is listed on the ICAR website.
For process issues, contracts and payments: Andie Dimitriadou andie@icar.org – Tel.: +39 334 8420774
Validated systems
| Code | Type | Manufacturer | Sensor/System Name | Species | Category | Parameters | Picture | Certificate | ICAR Report | Routine procedure |
| Milk Analyser | Ekomilk HorizonLtd | Ekomilk Horizon Unlimited Instrument (EHU) | Dairy cattle | Milk composition | SCC and milk parameters |  |
 |
Available here | Available here | |
| Sensor | Brolis Sensor Systems | BLH01 In-Line Sensor | Dairy cattle | Milk composition | Milk fat, Milk protein |  |
 |
Available here | Available here |
Sensor systems testing and validation aim to confirm that the data provided by the system meet the purpose defined by the applicant. Assisting, in this way, milk recording organisations, external databases, and other interested parties to decide on the use and usability of data from the sensor system. Section 11 and Section 12 of the ICAR Guidelines details the rules, standards and recommendations for testing, validation and periodic checking of sensor systems.