Photogrammetric Feed Trough Assessment System

Summary

​Feed bunk management is a primary function in cattle production for feedlots in Australia and the United States. Feed bunk management is the process of delivering the optimal amount of feed to the cattle to maximize the amount of growth while minimizing food waste. Determining the amount of feed that is currently available in each length of feed bunk is estimated by a bunk caller. The bunk caller makes multiple visual observations at a scheduled interval to estimate the rate of consumption and amount of feed available in the bunk. These observations are subjective in nature as they rely heavily on the bunk caller's ability to accurately quantify their visual observations. Digital Photogrammetry is the science of calculating three-dimensional information from stereoscopic two-dimensional digital images. This technology works in a similar fashion to the human eye and can be used to quantify three-dimensional geometric outputs such as volume. This report will outline a system design and present preliminary results of a digital photogrammetric camera system to measure varying amounts of feed in a standard feed bunk. The following discussion will highlight some of the inconsistencies found in the preliminary results and will make recommendations on future studies that attempt to use this technology.