Automated bunk management on the cards for commercial feedlots

Automated bunk management for operations of all sizes and locations could soon be a reality thanks to an innovation which can be used with or without a bunk scanner to increase lot feeding capability.

Bunk calling manages feed intake over 24-hour feeding cycles. The process is usually manual, and directly influences the performance of feedlot cattle and carcase weight gain. Decision making is complex and involves numerous factors to determine the best allocations for cattle to optimise productivity and health, while minimising waste. 

After extensive research and development, Manabotix launched the Bunk Scanner in 2019 to enable lot feeders to read feed remaining in bunks consistently. Dr Stuart McCarthy, Managing Director at Manabotix, spoke about the feedback from their customers who want to build on the application of the Bunk Scanner, which has been successful in a feedlot setting.

“The Bunk Scanner is already being used in six commercial feedlots in Australia, and we’re currently in the process of commissioning our seventh.

“We’ve received feedback from our Bunk Scanner customers that there could be further opportunities to ingrain automated bunk reading within bunk management processes. This contributed to the establishment of a research campaign to automate the decision-making process.”

Developing the software

A pilot software application (with working title Feedmetrix) had previously been prepared and tested by Manabotix and MLA. Experimental results showed that automated bunk management in a commercial setting was feasible, producing comparable carcase results to manual processes by high-performing callers with no adverse health effects for the trial cattle. 

Feedmetrix 2.0 is the next evolution of the software, which has been developed following ongoing consultations with lot feeders and nutritionists. This is to ensure application is suitable for varying operational processes, allowing lot feeders to get more out of their cattle. 

Stuart highlighted the complexities of the various models and inputs that must be considered, as feedlots operate within a variety of conditions.  

“One singular algorithm wasn’t going to suit everyone. There are so many different models which are required even within one feedlot, let alone multiple feedlots.

“We were engaged to advance the software so that anyone can use it, input their ideas or strategies and produce consistent result 365 days a year.

“The key difference about this project is that nobody has been able to demonstrate an automatic model or software system in the context of bunk calling in larger commercial feedlots. They may have been able to do it in smaller research lots, but not on a larger scale.”

Stuart said the Bunk Scanner has already been proven to be higher performing than humans for bunk reading. 

Early stages and the future

The Feedmetrix 2.0 project is still in its early stages, with the beta version of the software currently undergoing peer reviews. In the upcoming months, the project will be transitioning into infield experimental campaigns. 

“Ultimately we’ll move into year-long load campaigns, actively feeding cattle with the technology,” Stuart said.

“It’s been a long process, and there are many subtleties to lot feeding which need to be considered. There is so much history, legacy, and corporate knowledge about how things are done.”

Stuart highlighted the importance of education when it comes to the development and implementation of new tools which are being designed for the industry. 

“A large part of what we’re doing is communicating. Over time, we hope to demonstrate an alternative way for things to be done, producing year-round, consistent results.

“It takes the right technologies and the right partnerships between research organisations and lot feeders to create meaningful shifts in thinking. With the technology available to us we can use it to improve the feeding process and help transform the industry.”

When commercialised, the software will be able to be used either integrated with the Bunk Scanner or as a standalone package. Through its customisable algorithms, the software will be able to enable fully automated bunk calling ready for use by Australian lot feeders. 

If you would like to find out more about the Bunk Scanner, and Feedmetrix 2.0, you’ll be able to catch Stuart and the team from Manabotix at the upcoming BeefEx event  hosted in Brisbane from 15–17 October.