ANGUS BEEF BULLETIN EXTRA
January 20, 2022 | Vol. 15 : No. 1
Gizmos & Gadgets
Livestock technology equipment demonstration.
It’s possible to measure and record individual weights of cattle managed in pasture and range settings — without assembling a crew, gathering the herd and bringing animals to a scale site. According to South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Livestock Grazing Specialist Jameson Brennan, researchers accomplish that at SDSU’s Cottonwood Field Station, using equipment manufactured by C-Lock Inc. Brennan narrated a virtual demonstration of SmartScale and other C-Lock equipment during the biennial Range Beef Cow Symposium hosted Nov. 16-17 in Rapid City, S.D.
Brennan said SmartScale is a scale unit installed at watering sites to collect individual animal weights each time an animal drinks. The wireless scale units incorporate radio frequency identification technology (RFID), so data can be tracked for animals wearing any low-frequency RFID ear tag.
“Each time an animal comes to drink, it steps on the load cell with its front feet. The animal’s front-end weight is measured for extrapolation of full body weight. The scale unit reads each animal’s RFID tag and individual data is recorded, including daily weights and rate of gain,” explained Brennan. “In our research setting, as well as in production settings, this kind of technology can save time and labor, as well as stress on animals.”
Brennan said SmartScale is customizable to most existing water sources. In remote locations where electrical power is not available, units can be fitted with solar-power kits.
“Using this technology does limit water access,” allowed Brennan. “A unit accommodates animals one at a time. Accessibility is restricted to the number of scale units installed at the watering site, and the remainder of the tank must be blocked off.”
Brennan also discussed the SmartFeed system, explaining how it can be used to overcome variable feed intake when supplementing growing cattle or cows managed on pasture, or when creep-feeding calves. SmartFeed systems also allow control of individual feed intake when developing replacement heifers or young bulls. Each feed opening allows only one animal at a time, and the system can be programmed to dispense a set amount of pelleted feed per animal wearing an RFID ear tag.
Like SmartScale, the feeder units can be adapted to solar power, and both systems can be controlled through an online interface. There is no extra software to purchase or to load onto users’ computers.
Brennan noted that C-Lock also manufactures GreenFeed systems for measuring methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen and hydrogen emissions by individual animals accessing the bait feed in each unit.
Editor’s note: Troy Smith is a cattleman and freelance writer from Sargent, Neb.
Angus Proud
In this Angus Proud series, Editorial Intern Jessica Wesson provides insights into how producers across the country use Angus genetics in their respective environments.
Angus Proud: Bubba Crosby
Fall-calving Georgia herd uses quality and co-ops to market calves.
Angus Proud: Jim Moore
Arkansas operation retains ownership through feeding and values carcass data.
Angus Proud: Les Shaw
South Dakota operation manages winter with preparation and bull selection.
Angus Proud: Jeremy Stevens
Nebraska operation is self-sufficient for feedstuffs despite sandy soil.
