Feasibility of manure collection automation

Summary

Automated manure collection from feedlots is a viable proposition using mostly existing technology with some enhancement for the unique circumstances of this industry. The study undertaken was as a joint venture at the invitation of MLA, in response to problems encountered by every feedlot operator, certainly in Australia, but also internationally. The benefits to the industry if this project recommendation is adopted will be:

1. Efficiency of cleaning pens without damage to pen surfaces in handling manure from slurry to hard cake, in almost any weather conditions.
2. A solution that can operate with animals still in the pen.
3. Reduced labour and machinery costs because a single machine can potentially replace a variety of currently used earth moving machines.
4. Benefits to animal productivity, comfort and health issues such as lameness by keeping the quantity of manure in the pen down.
5. Possible utilisation potential of collected manure as a source of bio-gas, because it will be collected before loss of volatiles.