Precision Livestock Technologies

Precision Livestock Technologies Artificial intelligence providing feedlots actionable insights that drive higher profits

Bringing Cattle Up on Feed with the Help of AIMaximizing cattle performance in the feedlot is key to maximizing profits ...
05/10/2024

Bringing Cattle Up on Feed with the Help of AI

Maximizing cattle performance in the feedlot is key to maximizing profits in a tight economy with slim margins. While it might seem logical to follow a standard protocol when transitioning cattle from starter to finish ration, using PLT's behavior metrics can significantly improve the chances of successfully navigating this risky period in the feeding cycle.

Aggression scores within the first few weeks a set of cattle are in a pen can help feeders understand when the cattle are settled and can more confidently be brought up on feed. Utilizing the PLT aggression metric can aid in finding that sweet spot for specific sets of cattle.

Animals coming from different environments can experience stress when abruptly mixed. This can negatively impact their immune system and feeding behavior. Similarly when groups are mixed after implanting, you want to see them establish a new pecking order at the bunk before pushing too hard. If you don't, then the most aggressive cattle could overeat.

One of the best ways to overcome this is with continual monitoring that pinpoints patterns in behavior (such as the agression metric), feeding and body condition. Our camera vision makes this a seamless process with zero additional human resources. With this hard data, our system is able to generate detailed visuals and recommendations so that you can reduce animal stress and increase performance.

Feeding each pen of cattle the optimal amount is crucial for the feeder's profitability. Feed is often the biggest expen...
04/12/2024

Feeding each pen of cattle the optimal amount is crucial for the feeder's profitability. Feed is often the biggest expense in a feedlot, and small but sustained deviations above or below the optimal level has a major impact on the bottom line. PLT has developed an artificial intelligence powered feeding recommendation system that gives feeders the ability to proactive at achieving optimal intakes rather than reacting to situations that can take up to two weeks to resolve.

Making proactive feeding decisions is hard, but when done correctly, the results are significant
🌽 Minimize Over Feeds: Avoid having to drastically decrease intakes to get bunks cleaned up
πŸ₯© Maximize Feed Efficiency: Optimized feed intake leads to better feed conversion and faster finishing times.
🩺 Detect Problems Early: Changes in eating habits can be a sign of illness or other issues. Catching problems early means healthier cattle and less downtime.

But accurately tracking the complex and often correlated signs to make an optimal feeding decision is extremely challenging. Traditional methods require an experienced, well-trained and well-managed feed caller. Not only are these resources increasingly rare, it's still very difficult for them to predict what the cattle are going to do over the next 48 hours.

At Precision Livestock Technologies, we believe that harnessing the data we generate to provide optimized feeding decisions can improve any operation.

Teamwork is an essential fiber in the fabric of a successful feedlot. Not only do you have a diverse set of workers on t...
04/05/2024

Teamwork is an essential fiber in the fabric of a successful feedlot. Not only do you have a diverse set of workers on the premises at all times doing work from feeding to doctoring, but you also have your offsite professionals such as consultants, drivers and other vendors. On top of that, any employee or manager might be away at any given time.

With so many players in such a face-paced environment, connectedness is more important than ever. Fortuantely, today has the boon of technology to make the exact same datasets available to whoever needs it, wherever they need it.

Our precision management system is more than just machine vision and AI metrics - it also brings the data to a platform that can be shared by whoever needs it. No more multiple spreadsheets and programs to track feeding behaviors, rate of gain and other performance metrics. We bring all of that to one place!

🌐 Learn more at precision-livestock.com

Feedlot management is a constant dance between intuition and information. But what if you could replace uncertainty with...
03/30/2024

Feedlot management is a constant dance between intuition and information. But what if you could replace uncertainty with undeniable facts?

Data empowers you to ditch the guesswork and make bold, confident decisions that optimize your feedlot's performance. Imagine having concrete numbers to validate your choices, streamlining operations and maximizing profitability.

Our system uses camera vision to unlock a treasure trove of insights:
βœ”οΈ Animal behavior: Track changes in feeding behavior to make proactive decisions.
βœ”οΈ Bunk management: Ensure that feed levels are staying within your program's parameters.
βœ”οΈ Optimize labor usage: Allocate resources efficiently and focus your crew on the right pens.

No more relying on the human eye's limitations. Our system translates this data into clear, easy-to-understand reports, delivered straight to your computer. These reports equip you with the power to:
βœ”οΈ Increase agility: Respond faster to changing market conditions and animal needs.
βœ”οΈ Optimize labor usage: Allocate resources efficiently and free up valuable time for strategic planning.
βœ”οΈ Set Measurable Goals: Establish clear, data-driven benchmarks for success and track your progress with confidence.

Make data-driven decisions the cornerstone of your feedlot's success. Visit precision-livestock.com and see how it works!

Remote Monitoring is a game changer for feed yard. management. Here's why.Among the challenges of ranching and feeding i...
03/14/2024

Remote Monitoring is a game changer for feed yard. management. Here's why.

Among the challenges of ranching and feeding is consistency of the hands doing the work. Digitalization has made it possible to track, manage and monitor the performance of your herd and individual groups without missing a beat.

In the hectic world of cattle feeding, where consistency is key, remote monitoring offers real-time tracking and management. Digitalization and remote management provides a seamless flow of information about the performance of individual groups and the entire herd.

How does remote monitoring make a difference?

πŸ“‘ Seamlessly manage your team, even from a distance. Remote monitoring enables you to direct employees efficiently, ensuring smooth operations at all times.

πŸ“‘ Spot an issue when you're away or unavailable? No problem! With remote monitoring, you can promptly flag someone on-site to address the situation, ensuring swift responses and minimizing downtime.

πŸ“‘ Save valuable time and gain the freedom to accomplish more with fewer resources. Remote monitoring streamlines tasks, allowing you to focus on strategic aspects of your business and explore new opportunities.

πŸ“‘ Foster collaboration with your remote team and key consultants, including veterinarians, truckers, and nutritionists. Leverage technology to bring experts together, regardless of physical distances, for collective decision-making and enhanced expertise.

Elevate your feed yard management to unprecedented heights with remote monitoring! Experience efficiency, real-time insights, and collaborative excellence. To see the opportunities yourself, book a demo at precision-livestock.com.

Did you know the brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text? In a world flooded with information, executives ...
03/07/2024

Did you know the brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text? In a world flooded with information, executives need concise, clear insights to navigate operations and focus on strategy. That's where data visualization comes in!

Enter the PLT Bunk Management System. Developed for our commercial feedyards, it accommodates any feeding program. Our analytics let you monitor key variables objectively, spot outliers, and correct deviations for increased quality and profitability, comparing lots of data points side by side instantly.

Why is data visualization vital? MIT research highlights the brain's ability to process images in 13 milliseconds. It's about presenting information visually, making it more digestible.

For commercial feedyards dealing with decision-makers across different teams, having easy-to-interpret data helps eliminate headaches that come along with miscommunication and wasted time interpreting dull spreadsheets.

Book a demo today and see the difference for yourself! You'll never view your data the same way again.

One of the most challenging parts of the livestock feeding business are the slim profit margins.Several metrics go into ...
02/28/2024

One of the most challenging parts of the livestock feeding business are the slim profit margins.

Several metrics go into these numbers, and many are out of the feeder's control. Management practices are, fortunately, not one of them.

But how do you take good management and channel it to reducing profit margin? That all starts with objective data. And the best way to capture that type of data is with objective machines, not impressionable human opinion.

The fed cattle market has enjoyed high prices last year - and experts anticipate that trend to continue into 2024. And while that is nice, it alone won't guarantee a healthier bottom line, especially when you consider that both interest rates and cost of labor are becoming more intense.

What can help producers take better change is enhanced management through precision technology. With machine vision, our system is able to pinpoint animal feeding behavior and performance metrics and deliver them straight to your desktop. This cuts down on your labor hours and gives an overview of how you can adjust your management to be more efficient.

Visit our website to book a demo!
https://www.precision-livestock.com/contact-us/

Making Proactive Decisions with AIAt its core, artificial intelligence takes in data and makes predictions. Rather than ...
02/22/2024

Making Proactive Decisions with AI
At its core, artificial intelligence takes in data and makes predictions. Rather than relying on a couple of subjective observations each day, PLT's automated feed intake prediction models take in hundreds of data points over several previous days to give producers the ability to manage pens more closely to their optimal intake level. One significant advantage of this approach is the ability to recognize when not to push cattle beyond their current ability to gain. It sometimes takes 24 to 48 hours for the cattle ruminant digestive process to fully process increases in feed. By giving producers a clearer picture of this intake cycle, PLT's AI-powered predictions can reduce volatility and digestive issues and drive higher profits on every pen.

Find out more at https://www.precision-livestock.com/

AI is all the rage today β€” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind isn't cattle feeding. We're here to change...
02/12/2024

AI is all the rage today β€” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind isn't cattle feeding. We're here to change that by using AI to create the data needed to optimize and automate feeding decisions.

Why you should use AI to manage feeding decision
- Minimize Errors - Reduce big cuts by with proactive adjustments rather than reacting to overfeeds
- Manage More Effectively - Compare similar pens to identify outliers before they become bigger problems
- Augment Labor - Provide a customized dashboard of analyzed data to improve your staff's ability to make the right decisions

The future starts today. Learn more about how we optimize decision-making on today's feedlots at www.precision-livestock.com. Want to be next? Book a demo today!

Let's Talk About Making More with Less LaborThe agriculture sector faces an ongoing challenge with labor shortages, part...
12/28/2023

Let's Talk About Making More with Less Labor

The agriculture sector faces an ongoing challenge with labor shortages, particularly in skilled roles. According to the National Agriculture Statistical Service’s Farm Labor Survey, there has been a significant decline in both self-employed and family workers on farms since 1950. This shortage is felt acutely in feedlots, where the complex nature of the work requires a skilled workforce. In response to these challenges, our feedlot management system leverages cutting-edge technology to revolutionize efficiency and reduce labor costs.

In the modern era, technology can be your eyes and ears on the feedlot. Our innovative system utilizes machine vision to gather essential data, providing cattle feeders with unprecedented insights. This technology allows you and your team to monitor your livestock and generate detailed reports, even in the middle of the night. With this valuable information at your fingertips, decision-making becomes streamlined and profits soar.

Our system empowers you to do more with less, giving your staff the tools they need to automate decision-making processes. Here's how:

βœ… Improve Intake: Identify and address factors affecting optimal consumption patterns.
βœ… Eliminate Misfeeds: Minimize errors in feeding processes.
βœ… Reduce Defects: Enhance overall feedlot operations.
βœ… Save Time: Our technology spots weak spots, so you can adjust and cut time and save resources.
βœ… Improve Training: Provide precise instructions based on real-time data.

Join the ranks of successful feedlot owners who have embraced innovation. Invest in our advanced feedlot management system and transform your operations. Do more with less, reduce labor costs, and propel your feedlot to new heights.

Bunk management isn't about bulking up animals, it's about optimizing intake by perfecting rations, mastering bunk manag...
12/22/2023

Bunk management isn't about bulking up animals, it's about optimizing intake by perfecting rations, mastering bunk management, and eliminating wastage. Today, advances in artificial intelligence and machine vision allow feeders the ability to automate 24-hour bunk reading and use the resulting data to improve feed call and even leverage automated feeding recommendations.

Technologies that use better data to improve decision making are improving production efficiency in almost every industry. In cattle feeding - it builds on the advances of research into ruminant digestion, bunk management strategies, and the overall computerization of the industry.

The PLT Bunk Management system, which bridges the gap between data and practical implementation. Learn more on our blog: https://www.precision-livestock.com/a-brief-history-of-optimizing-intake-in-feedyards/

Are you ready to revolutionize your feedlot? Contact us today!

Uncovering the Impact of 'Unknown Unknowns' on Feedyard ProfitWe hear the same reaction every time we install a system, ...
11/24/2023

Uncovering the Impact of 'Unknown Unknowns' on Feedyard Profit

We hear the same reaction every time we install a system, "Huh? We didn't even know that was happening. And, how do we fix it?"

It underscores that errors in cattle feeding often stem from imperfect information. If it's not observed during a feedyard circuit, it might as well not have happened.

Here are some real-world examples we've encountered:
1. Bunks that go empty during the day
This represents a very real lost opportunity for gain. And empty bunks also increase the risk that cattle will be overly aggressive at the bunk the next time the feed truck comes through. This could lead to metabolic issues and increased pen stress levels.

2. Bunks that go slick early in the evening
Even if a yard has a "night man" making reads at 10pm, midnight and 2am (and many don't), he can't tell you that a bunk was slick at 6pm. We've seen this many times after an install and it's a big opportunity for immediate results.

3. Bunks that are slick for more than X hours per day
This is similar to the aforementioned early slicks, but different. Many yards will tolerate 6-8 hours of empty bunks. But when they see bunks that have been empty for 14+ hours, this gets their attention.

4. Changes in animal behavior
Cattle behavior changes gradually, making our system's aggression metrics a useful early indicator to make adjustments. Due to the rumen's slow digestion process, signs of overfeeding may not appear for 24 hours or more, despite a noticeable decline in feeding aggression over the past 3 days. To recover from overfeeding, it is crucial to promptly reduce and gradually restore feed levels over 2-4 days. Rapid decreases in feed pose a risk of metabolic issues, leading to both lost intake and an increased likelihood of severe health issues.

Imagine the dollars you could save knowing what is happening in just one of these aspects of feed management. To schedule a demo for your operation, get in touch with us at precision-livestock.com!

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