2021 - Volume #45, Issue #6, Page #18
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Hi-Tech Feed Bunk Provides Real-Time Data
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“One user installed three SmartFeed systems at a cost of about $15,000 to evaluate a pen of young bulls,” says Jeff Clark, C-Lock Inc. “They identified one bull as gaining over 6 lbs. per day and converting 3.52 lbs. of feed to each pound of gain. That bull sold for $105,000, more than $40,000 over their previous high selling bull.”
SmartFeed units are free-standing portable feed bunks that can be used with 8 to 12 animals. Feed bins are available in either heavy-duty poly or stainless steel. They include a load cell, RFID reader, feed bin technology, and data transmission system.
SmartScale weighing systems are set in front of water tanks and can be customized to use most existing water sources. Alleyway width is easily adjustable to allow only one animal access at a time. Multiple scales can be designed and installed at a single water source for larger capacity pens.
Real-time data from both the SmartScale and the SmartFeed bunk is transmitted via Wi-Fi or a cellular network to a cloud-based server. If the connection is lost, data is stored on units until the connection is restored. Data can also be downloaded using a USB connection.
The only requirement for installation is AC power access. However, a solar power option is also available.
“Put an RFID tag in an animal’s ear and our SmartFeed system logs when the animal eats, how much it eats and how often it eats,” says Clark. “The SmartScale records the animal’s weight every time it stops to drink, as well as how often and how much water is consumed.”
Data is sent to the user interface for analysis and storage. It can be accessed as either raw or processed data by any internet-connected device via C-Lock’s cloud-based customer portal.
Changes in feed or water intake trigger alerts to the user. In the case of the SmartFeed, alerts go out when feed intake drops. The SmartScale sends an alert if an animal loses weight or if water intake increases or decreases significantly.
“One of the first signs of a problem is when an animal goes off feed or water,” says Clark. “Our alerts provide an early warning of problems as they develop.”
He notes that while a typical customer has from 5 to 10 SmartFeed units, that number can vary significantly.
“We have one customer in Neb. with 60 SmartFeed units in his feedlot,” says Clark. “However, a small producer can start with one system and expand as they grow. It is a great way to get into the purebred bull sale business.”
C-Lock also offers SmartFeed Pro, an automated cattle feeder. It can be programmed to provide a set amount of feed for controlled daily intake. Once that limit is reached, whether at a single visit or successive visits, no more feed is provided. The exclusion gate allows only specified animals access and excludes others.
Still in the prototype stage, the Super SmartFeed is a self-contained portable system designed to operate autonomously in pasture and range systems. It offers precision supplement intake control.
Given current component supply and pricing situations, Clark suggests readers contact the company directly for pricing.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, C-Lock Inc., 1350 Concourse Dr., Rapid City, S. Dak. 57703 (ph 605-791-5657; contact@c-lockinc.com; www.c-lockinc.com).
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