Automated Bunk Management Revolutionizing Australian Lot Feeding
Imagine a world where managing feed intake for cattle in feedlots is no longer a manual process but an automated one, ensuring optimal productivity and health outcomes for the animals. Thanks to an innovative solution developed by Manabotix, this futuristic vision is becoming a reality. Automated bunk management using the Bunk Scanner is poised to revolutionize lot feeding operations of all sizes and locations across Australia.
Bunk calling, the traditional method of managing feed intake over 24-hour feeding cycles, plays a crucial role in determining the performance of feedlot cattle and their carcase weight gain. This manual process involves complex decision-making to allocate feed optimally while minimizing waste. However, with the introduction of the Bunk Scanner, lot feeders now have a cutting-edge tool to read feed remaining in bunks consistently, enhancing their operational capabilities.
### The Impact of Automated Bunk Management
– Increases lot feeding capability
– Improves productivity and health outcomes for cattle
– Minimizes feed wastage and optimizes feed allocation
“It’s like having a dedicated cattle whisperer overseeing your feedlot operations, ensuring every animal gets the right amount of feed at the right time,” says Dr. Stuart McCarthy, Managing Director at Manabotix. The feedback from early adopters of the Bunk Scanner has been overwhelmingly positive, prompting Manabotix to further refine the technology for broader application in the industry.
#### Developing the Software
Through a collaborative effort with the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Manabotix has developed a pilot software application called Feedmetrix. This innovative tool automates bunk management processes, enabling lot feeders to achieve comparable carcase results to manual processes while improving operational efficiency.
Feedmetrix 2.0 represents the latest evolution of the software, incorporating feedback from industry stakeholders to ensure its suitability for diverse operational settings. The complexity of feedlot operations demands a customizable approach, tailored to the specific needs of each facility. With Feedmetrix 2.0, lot feeders can input their strategies and preferences to achieve consistent results year-round.
“Every feedlot has its own unique challenges and requirements, which is why a one-size-fits-all solution won’t suffice,” explains Stuart. “Our goal is to empower lot feeders with a user-friendly software that adapts to their individual circumstances, enhancing their decision-making capabilities and ultimately, their bottom line.”
#### Early Stages and Future Prospects
While the Feedmetrix 2.0 project is still in its infancy, with the beta version undergoing rigorous testing, the future looks promising. As the software transitions into infield experimental campaigns, the team at Manabotix is gearing up for year-long load campaigns to demonstrate the technology’s real-world applicability.
Education and communication play a crucial role in the successful implementation of new technologies in the industry. Stuart emphasizes the importance of collaboration between research organizations and lot feeders to drive meaningful change and foster industry-wide transformation. By leveraging cutting-edge tools like the Bunk Scanner and Feedmetrix 2.0, Australian lot feeders can streamline their operations and achieve consistent results, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future.
In conclusion, automated bunk management is poised to revolutionize the Australian lot feeding industry, offering a glimpse into a future where precision and efficiency are the norm. With tools like the Bunk Scanner and Feedmetrix 2.0, lot feeders can optimize their operations, enhance cattle performance, and maximize profitability. The ongoing development and refinement of these technologies signal a bright future for the industry, driven by innovation and collaboration. If you’re curious to learn more about the Bunk Scanner and Feedmetrix 2.0, be sure to connect with Stuart and the team from Manabotix at the upcoming BeefEx event in Brisbane. Join us as we embark on a journey towards a more streamlined and sustainable future for Australian lot feeding.
