A PROGRAMMABLE, MULTIPLE SUPPLEMENT CATTLE FEEDER FOR PASTURE USE

Abstract

A mobile, programmable, multiple supplement cattle feeder for pasture use was designed, constructed, andevaluated. The feeder is capable of feeding an individualized ration of liquids and solids to cattle in a grazing system withoutthe need for AC power in a research pasture setting. The feeder is electrically powered by solar energy (with battery backup).Additional energy is stored in the form of compressed air held in two 53L (13.5gal) tanks, which must be charged by anexternal source. The design includes storage and metering equipment for up to five separate feed ingredients. Two pressuretanks with approximately 115kg (254lb) capacity are provided for fats or molassesbased liquid supplements; two smallbins with approximately 40kg (88lb) capacity are provided for small quantities of solids, and one 1.2m3 (42ft3) bin isprovided for grain concentrates. Animal identification is achieved using radio transponder ear tags, and control is handledthrough the use of a programmable logic controller.<br><br>A mixed group of 10 dairy heifers and cows were used to complete testing. Animals adapted readily to feeder use after initialtraining and no problems were encountered with tag reading. Liquids, grains, and smallspecialized solids were all meteredaccurately and consistently (coefficient of variation was 0.45% for liquids, 5.8% for small solids, and 2.3% for large solids)based on an individual animal program. Though effective for delivering molassesbased feeds, air leaks in theliquidmetering system required constant monitoring. Computer simulation of the power system suggests that it should handlesupplemental feeding of up to 20 grazing dairy cows at a central Pennsylvania location.