Drone-based AI system tracks cattle growth without stressful trips to scales
In beef cattle production, determining the ideal time to sell makes all the difference in a producer's costs. This is because, once an animal reaches its natural growth limit, it stops gaining weight significantly. From that point on, every additional day in a feedlot means spending money on feed without gaining meat in return.
Researchers have developed a drone-based AI system that monitors beef cattle growth without the need for stressful weigh-ins at scales. This innovation allows producers to make optimal decisions about selling their cattle, potentially increasing profits by 5% to 10% due to precise timing. The system uses drones to capture aerial images and advanced AI algorithms to analyze the animals' bodies and calculate weight gain in real time.
By observing changes in body width relative to length, the technology can accurately track weight gain without relying on the absolute size of the animal in the image. The system outperforms traditional methods, which require periodic weigh-ins in a stressful restraint chute, causing stress, injuries, and equipment damage to the cattle.
In field tests, the drone was flown at altitudes of 5, 10, and 15 meters, with no noticeable impact on animal welfare. The system was validated on a ranch in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, during a 112-day fattening cycle of 110 Nelore cattle, demonstrating its effectiveness in determining the optimal slaughter window.
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