HerdWhistle is the first affordable 24/7 cattle monitoring system with full feedlot coverage. It magnifies the level of traceability for feedlot operators on their own feedlot. The system equips them with a tool to track each animal from the moment they arrive in the yard, to the moment they are shipped away. This level of automated traceability has never before been possible on the individual feedlot level.
HerdWhistle is a type of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technology. Essentially that means, it's a smart technology that helps feedlot operators to monitor their livestock at an individual level. No matter the capacity and size of the feedlot, the technology can monitor every individual animal 24/7.
RFID ear tags are the most efficient way to generate traceability data. When cattle arrive at the feedlot, they are given Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID ear tags. Using a HerdWhistle Turn Scanner, the tags are rapidly logged into the system as well as matched to the Low Frequency (LF) RFID ear tag that the cattle arrived with. This provides the first point of traceability — a verification of arrival.
RFID sensors are installed in the feed bunks and above the water troughs so that every time an animal eats or drinks, data is collected. These sensors work to generate data 24/7 on each animal throughout their visit on the feedlot.
A traceability profile is built for each animal over their stay. The HerdWhistle system tracks every eating and drinking event and reconciles that with which pen they are supposed to be in. If an animal is detected in the wrong pen, feedlot operators are alerted so they can track down the missing animal. As the cattle move from pen to pen, whether due to illness or stocking changes, the system tracks their changes in location. Feedlot operators then have a full traceable profile of where animals have moved and what animals they have shared a pen with over their entire stay at the feedlot.
The cattle are scanned automatically as they board the shipping truck at the end of their stay. Another RFID sensor is installed above the loading chute and reads the ear tags as the animals pass under it. This gives a final stamp of traceability detailing exactly when then the animal leaves the feedlot.
HerdWhistle brings a level of traceability to the feedlot that has never before been seen. It helps build a traceable journey for the feedlot operator to assist them with day-to-day inventory management as well as tackling any issues that may arise during the animal’s stay.
