FeedMetrix 2.0: Automation to support feed allocation

09 Jul 2026

FeedMetrix 2.0 is the latest evolution of an automated feed allocation tool developed by Manabotix in collaboration with Meat & Livestock Australia. Building on earlier pilot work, this next-generation software is designed to support more consistent, data-driven decision-making in feedlots. This article updates the previous feature on automated bunk management, exploring insights from recent on-ground trials and examining FeedMetrix 2.0's potential to integrate into everyday feedlot operations.

After ongoing consultations with lot feeders and nutritionists, the Feedmetrix 2.0 software has had pilot studies on the ground in feedlots, to further develop the software for integration into the day-to-day for feedlots.

“The purpose of Feedmetrix 2.0 was to develop a software system that not only was bigger and better but also allowed trusted consultants or site operating personnel at feedlots to import and manage algorithms for themselves,” Dr Stuart McCarthy, Managing Director at Manabotix, said.

The software has been trialled onsite at feedlots on a large scale to gain on the ground insights, feedback and work to solve challenges each location may have presented.

Feedmetrix 2.0 acts as a decision tree for those on the ground in the feedlot and also feeds back data to help in the decision-making process. The algorithm allows for consistency and ensures a feed allocation protocol is being followed, regardless of who might be driving the unit.

“Every feedlot operates slightly differently and therefore there are different challenges to solve,” Stuart said.

“There is a lot at stake to get things right. We’ve got to ensure things are carefully managed during the trials.”

Mort & Co have been involved in the Manabotix bunk reading projects since the beginning, hosting early trial work at Grassdale Feedlot in conjunction with Bovine Dynamics and Manabotix toward proving the concept of automated decision support. Involvement continued with the Feedmetrix 2.0 pilot trial at (former Mort & Co site) Pinegrove (located in Millmerran, QLD).

“We’ve been involved in the automated feed and bunk management journey with Manabotix and Bovine Dynamics for six or so years now,” Scott Braud, Mort & Co – General Manager Feedlots, said.

“Feed allocation in a feedlot is critical to its operation. Although allocation principles can differ from site to site, fundamentally, the drivers behind good feed allocation are the same.

“Essentially, the Feedmetrix 2.0 software is about automatically executing a decision tree,” Scott said.

“Between human feed allocators, there will naturally be a small amount of variation in terms of how they interpret a feed bunk, a pen and cattle on any given day. With the algorithm, we can ensure there is a level of foundational consistency being applied between operators; from there, the Feed Allocator of the day can make the final adjustments where necessary. ”

“The ability to apply baseline consistency across allocation that is made every day has really big potential for us, and we saw this in the initial works at Morts (then) Pinegrove site.”

Insights from Pinegrove

Jeffrey Jurd, Feedlot Manager at Pinegrove, spoke to how having the data from the Feedmetrix 2.0 trial created a line of “best practice”.

“When you have the feed allocators bunk calling you can see variability from person to person on how they may interpret things and can have slightly different decision processes,” Jeffrey said.

The software helped the team consider whether the bunk call should have been different to what the software was telling them, and why.

“It made us ask the question ‘why’ in a good way. If we thought something different, we’d pause and take a look at what might have been different and why.”

With technology becoming more ingrained in day-to-day, Jeffrey said that with their experience during the pilot trial he could see great potential for Feedmetrix to help address skilled labour shortages, waste and productivity in the future.

“This kind of technology will most definitely help to address skilled workforce issues.

“When you lose a few key people who have been with you for years, that knowledge and experience when it comes to bunk calling is lost.

“The great thing about the data that comes out of Feedmetrix is it levels the ground by giving a baseline for everyone to follow.”

Jeffrey also mentioned that he thought that, through consistent use, the technology offers a real opportunity to improve performance and productivity. In addition to this, there is potential to offset waste as well.

“If it was used consistently from the moment cattle entered to exited, I think the potential is there to offset waste. The more it is used, the more accurate and consistent the bunk calling is.

“Naturally, if the software is used consistently, there is encouraging potential that the performance of the cattle will improve, in turn leading to improved productivity.”

Supporting people

In a large feedlot, Allocators are pressed to make the correct repetitive decisions with regard to what needs to be fed on a pen-by-pen basis. These decisions are invariably being made within prescribed time restrictions, and this can lead to decision fatigue as the end of the morning allocation process is reached. Decision fatigue associated with daily feed allocation is something that Scott believes the software will be able to help support.

“We want to be able to support our already knowledgeable allocators where we can. Helping to take some of the fatigue out of the decision-making allows us to do that.

“It is the goal that our feed allocators can make more informed feed decisions and get to the last pen feeling good.”

Scott says rather than thinking of it as solely automation, he likes to think of it as ‘comation’, where people and automation come together to get the job done.

“We are really just supporting our people with the automation in a joint effort. We’re in a zone of ‘comation’ towards improving decision making and making people’s lives easier.”

Scott credits the longstanding project partnership with Manabotix & Bovine Dynamics, saying that without these kinds of partnerships to develop and deploy new technology and ideas, the industry wouldn’t be able to continue to evolve and improve productivity and profitability.