Page 24 - Insurance Times April 2023

The user with an android mobile phone can capture
acceptable quality of muzzle images through the auto-
capture feature and generate a unique Surabhi ID, a system-
generated, unique alphanumeric number for the bovine during
registration. Advanced models of algorithms are used to
mitigate critical challenges and improve the quality of muzzle
images. The images and the Surabhi ID can be used to
validate/verify dead cattle as part of the claim validation
process. Cattle identification is also critical to track
productivity and health management and to avoid asset
duplication while offering financial services, including
insurance.

The product has been independently validated and has
demonstrated accuracy of 97.6% to 100% based on field
validations of live and dead cattle. The company is working
identity for bovines is one of the significant reasons for moral
with all major insurers on cattle insurance in India through
hazard, resulting in a higher loss ratio for livestock insurers.
an API integration approach or SaaS model. The agents/staff
One of the most critical issues insurers face is that they are
of insurers and other entities have used the muzzle ID solution
not sure if a cattle claim is for an animal that they have
for on boarding about 40000+ cattle and validated 2500+
insured.
cattle in two years of the solutions development phase.
Innovative Approach
The insurance companies per se have on boarded 31,000+
Animal biometrics can replace traditional identification cattle using muzzle ID in addition to physical polyurethane or
methods by overcoming limitations and fulfilling the RFID ear tag as for cattle insurance. Out of 552 claim
requirements for accurate and efficient cattle and buffalo validations, 41 cases were found having same ear tag numbers
identification. Muzzle printometry is one such technology, while the cattle were different, verified through Surabhi ID.
where the muzzle pattern images provide a better insight Insurers repudiated these claims which resulted into
into biometry and a unique identification system. Nose prints avoidance of approximately Rs 20 lacs of actual or potential
are unique, unalterable, permanent, and verifiable liabilities as their claims outgo. Insurers received no
identification method similar to human fingerprints in that representation from those claimants whose claims were
no two nose prints of different cattle and buffalo are the rejected based on muzzle identity. By having a plan for
same. This identification method is painless, unique, simple, adopting this digital solution, companies can save their cost
reliable, verifiable, and scientific. The planum nasolabial or of cattle identification and become more efficient in the cattle
muzzle is a characteristic feature of an individual animal and insurance business.
remains constant with age, and the patterns remain intact
up to thirty hours after death.
Example of no Match of Muzzle Identity:
The following pictures are of two cattle; one at the time of
New Digital Solutions:
on boarding ( tagging on 16th Sept. 21) and the other at the
Dvara E-dairy solutions, a dairy tech, based at Chennai, India, time of the claim of dead cattle (validation on 1st June 22).
has developed digital solutions leveraging deep learning and Both cattle have the same ear tag, and the prominent body
Artificial Intelligence to capture, retrieve and verify the identification marks look similar. The insurance company
identity of the cattle based on muzzle prints. This first-of-its- would have settled the claim by going through the
kind independently validated solution for the global market pictures of both cattle, when ear tag numbers match and
will benefit insurers, lending institutions and dairy farmers. body marks look similar, which the veterinary doctor in his
The Surabhi e-tag facilitates the collection of muzzle images report substantiates. Still, because of the muzzle pattern
and instant feedback for the user to retake, avoiding difference, it was authentically possible to disown the claim
operational hassle. liability.

The Insurance Times April 2023 21