Development of a Modular System for Digitalization of Appraisal Process

Abstract

It is noted that the existing weighing platforms for weighing dairy cattle demonstrate certain shortcomings during the grading process. It was proposed to determine the fatness of animals by scanning their sacrum with optical systems, which allows monitoring their physiological state and, in case of deterioration, promptly change the diet. (Research purpose) To develop a modular system for the digitalization of appraisal process ensuring the autonomy and independence of modules. (Materials and methods) The emphasis is paid on the necessity of integrating into the whole farm system by using a unified Internet space. The development of a modular system for digitalization of appraisal was divided into 4 modules. A grading algorithm was worked out and compared with the layout diagram of the modules in order to assess the volume of work on the grading digitalization. Four strain gauges were installed in the weighing module. (Results and discussion) It was proved that the module provides high-precision weighing of animals (C3 accuracy), regardless of the external influence factors such as cow movements and the asymmetrical position of the cow inside the system box. The results can be displayed on the display of a single control unit. The camera of the vision module was placed at a height of 2,200 millimeters, which eliminates it being damaged by the animals and provides an unobstructed view for the 3D ToF camera. The transportation dimensions of the system prototype are as follows: length – 2,500 millimeters, width – 1,564, height – 2,118 millimeters. The total mass of the manufactured system, including the original platform, is approximately 620-640 kilograms. (Conclusions) A modular system for digitalization of appraisal work has been successfully developed and created. The weighing module was tested revealing an error of less than 1 percent, when testing the system with a reference mass of 655 kilograms and that of 1,200 kilograms.