Precision Livestock Farming offers technologies that autonomously monitor animal health and well-being so farmers can improve productivity and treat animals on an individual basis. Feed distributor Micro Technologies of Amarillo, TX is a shining example of how precision technology can supplement and enhance the feedlot environment.
Micro Technologies’ Feedyard Management Solutions provides a suite of software technologies to automate nearly every aspect of feeding and management of the feedyard. The platform provides multiple systems for feed inventory, office management, bunk management, feed truck, and health management. The company provides custom configured systems to fit a feedyard’s processes to gain control over inventory and shrinkage.
The system produces a software profile of each animal for tracking through the animal’s life. The individual animal information provides details of the animal’s health and well-being so every vendor along the way is informed. Managers can access real-time information and statistics on feed inventory, medication, and other animal data on mobile devices for data management in the field.
The feed management systems measure and deliver feed with the correct ingredients per pen. The system customizes the batch with the right micronutrients. The operator can see what the cattle are eating, when they got fed and all the information needed for real time feed management. The delivery technology ensures the right pen gets the right ration at the right time. The technology manages the delivery and electronically reports back to management without manual input of data.
Animal health tracking systems track the processing and treatments protocols for a herd or an individual animal. Medications, dosages, and frequency are all managed and communicated. The proactive communication about the health of a herd and the operator fosters a collaborative relationship with the veterinarian and other health providers.
Automation in the feedyard saves labor, time, and money. Feed is already the primary cost in the operation of a feedyard. Management and delivery of the feed is also very expensive. The automation provides greater precision and accountability while reducing labor costs. It takes less time to feed the cattle and the process is more accurate. The technology supplements the declining workforce in agriculture. Adding automation allows a feedyard to keep growing with less employees.
The feedyard automation gives the feedyard operators significantly more information about every aspect of the operation. It provides more time for management decisions that affect the operation. It allows operators to spend time with the other people involved in the operation. Ultimately, the operator can spend more time improving the health and well-being of the animals.
