Technologies for Cattle Monitoring –

Proof of Concept Study-

This project has provided proof of concept for an ear tag system and telemetry device for collecting and transferring data derived from livestock through a radio network to a base station. The base station provides a data base of information for managing the stock and ultimately can be used to creating reports for the operator.The concept requires that the animal has an ear tag that can collect information on for example animal health, position and activity. Data is downloaded from the ear tag when the animal comes into range of a collection point, typically at a watering hole or stock control point. Data is passed via a wireless link to the collection point to be transferred to the base.

The ear tag is battery and/ or solar powered and can be deployed for significant periods of time. Collection points are generally located at water holes where the animals will visit often. The collection point is connected to a wireless backbone that can transmit the data either direct or via a mesh to the base unit. The wireless backbone may not be proprietary but may be one that is commercially available. The base unit of the telemetry system is connected to a computer and will store all of the collected data into a data base. From here reports can be created for the operator on the animal’s health, position and activity and alert the operator if there are any anomalies or if an animal has not checked in for a period of time. The system can also display the information in a number of GIS packages such as Google earth for easier assessment by the operator.

While the working prototype and field test unit deployed was limited to animal identification and logging, a number of sensors and measurement systems to monitor animal condition were also scoped and tested in a working bench unit. Future development of the system could provide integration with other static sensors such as dam/trough water level and gate condition (open/closed).

A detailed business plan and market assessment will be required to attract further funds required to commercialise the technologies that have been developed.

Opportunities to Enhance Energy Efficiency and Minimise Greenhouse Gases in Queensland’s Intensive Agricultural Sector

This report presents a scoping study of opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and minimise GHG emissions in Queensland’s intensive agricultural sector.

The aims of this research were to:  

• Review and assess available tools and technologies for conducting on-farm operational energy assessments/audits  
• Assess current practices in terms of energy efficiency
• Identify opportunities to reduce operational energy inputs and impacts on greenhouse gas emissions
  

DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGYCALC - A TOOL TO ASSESS COTTON ON-FARM ENERGY USES

2005 Publications

Implementation of Precision Agriculture Technologies in the Macadamia Industry

Development and application of biofilter systems for intensive livestock operations to minimise odour emissions and nuisance potential – Evaluation of a pilot scale biofilter system for odour reduction and rechousing in Korea.

The project had the following major objectives:

• Identification of technologies to reduce offensive odour emissions from intensive animal operations;
• Development of an efficient biofilter system to reduce odour emissions from animal housing and waste treatment facilities;
• Identifying best practice in terms of media selection and biofilter design; and
• Identifying how biofilters should be implemented at existing operations to achieve maximum air quality improvement with minimal expense and disruption.

Publications - 2004 and earlier

Review of Precision Livestock Farming technologies for the Australian Pig Industry

This project represents the first stage of a series of possible steps toward facilitating the implementation of Precision Livestock Technologies (PLT) into the Australian pig industry.  The report establishes the credentials of currently available technologies in this area via a comprehensive review and identifies commercial products and suppliers with particular reference to the Australian Industry.