A Robotic Livestock Feed Consumption Monitoring System for Dairy Farm
摘要
Accurate monitoring of livestock feed consumption in dairy farms is crucial for milk productivity and animal health. Conventional methods, however, were often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error. This study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of a robotic monitoring system, which consisted of an attachment mounted on a scheduled moving robot designed to monitor cow feed consumption in real time. The system utilized optical time-of-flight sensor technologies to track cow feeding variation and estimate feed intake. Field trials were conducted on a commercial dairy farm, comparing the performance of the robotic monitoring system with manual measurements and conventional monitoring methods. The results indicated that the robotic monitoring system demonstrated high accuracy and reliability in measuring feed consumption, outperforming conventional methods. Additionally, the system provided actionable insights into cow feeding behavior, enabling farmers to identify opportunities for improvement and optimize their feeding strategies. The findings demonstrated the potential of robotics and automation to transform livestock management, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and animal welfare. This research contributed to the application of precision agriculture and smart farming technologies, providing a helpful solution for the dairy sector.