CBA - EID-enabled weigh crate
CBA - EID-enabled weigh crate
Using an EID enabled weigh crate allows farmers to weigh and record automatically individual animal weight, and to sort them according to pre-set criteria (e.g. weight, weight change, breed, sex, etc.).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwS4ii8nRLs
The main costs involved are associated with:
• Capital cost for the weigh crate – ranges from €5,000 to €15,000
• Individual cost for the EID ear-tag (~ €1.20 each)
• plus some maintenance costs ( between ~€1 to €50)
There are some additional requirements in terms of farm infrastructure. The weigh crate can run on the mains or on battery. Up to 100% of animals within a flock will use the weigh crate, more than once in a farming year. The maintenance parts can be difficult to obtain, and there is no technical support on farm provided after purchase. Farmers will need substantial training to be able to use the weigh crate to its full capacity.
The benefits of this tool include:
• Labour/time saving as it speeds up handling of animals, Up to 500 sheep can be weighed and sorted by one person in 1 hour.
• Improved accuracy of records, as each EID tag is read by the panel reader in the weigh crate, and information is linked to it automatically.
• Improved information available for management decisions, as it allows a targeted use of nutrition, as well as medicine use, thus reducing wastage and improving productivity. Sorting animals with a weigh crate facilitate further interventions (e.g. worming).
• Can be shared amongst farmers as mobile units exist.
• Reduced stress at handling time for both the animals and the farmer.
Using an EID enabled weigh crate allows farmers to weigh and record automatically individual animal weight, and to sort them according to pre-set criteria (e.g. weight, weight change, breed, sex, etc.).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwS4ii8nRLs
The main costs involved are associated with:
• Capital cost for the weigh crate – ranges from €5,000 to €15,000
• Individual cost for the EID ear-tag (~ €1.20 each)
• plus some maintenance costs ( between ~€1 to €50)
There are some additional requirements in terms of farm infrastructure. The weigh crate can run on the mains or on battery. Up to 100% of animals within a flock will use the weigh crate, more than once in a farming year. The maintenance parts can be difficult to obtain, and there is no technical support on farm provided after purchase. Farmers will need substantial training to be able to use the weigh crate to its full capacity.
The benefits of this tool include:
• Labour/time saving as it speeds up handling of animals, Up to 500 sheep can be weighed and sorted by one person in 1 hour.
• Improved accuracy of records, as each EID tag is read by the panel reader in the weigh crate, and information is linked to it automatically.
• Improved information available for management decisions, as it allows a targeted use of nutrition, as well as medicine use, thus reducing wastage and improving productivity. Sorting animals with a weigh crate facilitate further interventions (e.g. worming).
• Can be shared amongst farmers as mobile units exist.
• Reduced stress at handling time for both the animals and the farmer.
Sm@RT: Small Ruminant Technology - Precision Livestock Farming and Digital Technology for Small Ruminants
Ongoing | 2021-2024
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- United Kingdom