B.FLT.1010- Evaluation of automated bunk management – bunk scanner monitoring
MLA and Manabotix have commercialised a Bunk Scanner which is more precise and accurate at determining feed remaining in cattle feed bunks than human callers.
| Project start date: | 09 June 2019 |
| Project end date: | 14 December 2022 |
| Publication date: | 02 February 2023 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, Eastern Australia |
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Summary
The fundamental objectives of bunk management are consistently maximising feed intake, whilst minimising feed wastage and digestive disorders (bloat and acidosis). Calling is a critical input for bunk management, and traditionally it is the human callers’ actions directly determine feed intake and carcase weight gain of pens of feedlot cattle.
As an outcome of previous research campaigns, MLA and Manabotix have commercialised a Bunk Scanner (Australian Patent number: 2018203945) which is more precise and accurate at determining feed remaining in cattle feed bunks than human callers. This world-first achievement enables semi-automation of bunk management utilising scanner data to assist the human decision-making process, or full automation of bunk management utilising custom algorithms.
With a view to developing these value propositions, MLA executed projects for a serialised experimental campaign to assess automation levels in commercial feedlots. MLA project B.FLT.1012 represented the implementation of experimental methodologies at two commercial feedlots. The current report’s project (B.FLT.1010) provided technical support for installation, commissioning, operation, and monitoring of two Bunk Scanners at the two host sites.
Objectives
(1) Construct and deliver two Manabotix Bunk Scanner systems.
(2) Install and commission the Bunk Scanner systems at the two experiment sites, including integration with current feedlot software systems for bunk management, and training of staff.
(3) Provide technical support, monitoring, preventative maintenance, and timely repairs and maintenance of the Bunk Scanner systems for the duration of the two experiments.
Key findings
- Two Bunk Scanners of the original ‘manual slew’ mechanical arrangement (equivalent to prototype system) were constructed and delivered to the host sites. These were factory tested and packed and transported to the two experiment host sites.
- Only one feedlot site proceeded with the experimental campaign. The other feedlot directly purchased the scanner for commercial implementation.
- For the experiment site, a total of 21 pens, 4,710 scanning events, 703.4 m3 of feed were scanned at an average speed of 9.3 km/hr.
- The experiment was successfully executed and is reported under MLA project B.FLT.1012.
Benefits to industry
A highly successful research pursuit was completed, demonstrating to the cattle feeding industry that bunk management is automatable. The Bunk Scanner provides a very scalable and flexible digital environment suitable for implementation with any feedlot’s feeding programme.
MLA action
Results of this research project have been presented at the Australian Lot Feeders' Association Smart Beef and BeefEx conferences.
Future research
Future research will focus on building algorithm frameworks to feed cattle in diverse feedlots.
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For more information Contact Project MAnager: Joe McMeniman |
