Smart Ways to Manage Cattle – EID and Precision Scale Systems
By Heather Smith Thomas
There are several companies that specialize in producing new technology to make livestock producers’ cattle management more efficient and easier.
C-LOCK INC – Dr. Patrick Zimmerman created C-Lock Inc. in 2005 in Rapid City, South Dakota. At that time he was the Director of the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and a professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He specializes in engineering education, technology development, and research. At C-Lock Inc. a staff of professionals work together to utilize cutting-edge science and engineering to monitor, analyze, and control cattle biological parameters.
Through a systematic approach that incorporates intelligent data-mining techniques, measurements, and numerical modeling, the products created by C-Lock can detect problems in cattle that lower efficiency and productivity. This company’s capabilities to pinpoint problems, identify opportunities, and offer cost-effective solutions saves their clients’ money.
Dr. Meredith Harrison is the Chief Scientific Officer for C-Lock and earned her PhD in Animal Biology (with an emphasis in feedlot production systems) from the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on the combined application of precision livestock technologies and mathematical models to improve beef and dairy production, and biological and economic efficiency.
Meredith has substantial experience with statistics, experimental design, data management, and modeling. She has developed models to predict methane emissions, dry matter intake, feedlot cattle growth and composition, and to optimize profitability. In addition to her modeling experience, Meredith has significant knowledge of feedlot cattle nutrition and management. She believes in continuous improvement of livestock production efficiency and sustainability through technology, data, genetics, and management.
“At C-Lock we have a weighing system that can be used for animals in a pasture or in a feedlot or dry-lot setting. This is our Smart Scale system that can be located in front of an existing water trough, so it’s easy for producers to integrate our scale into their operation. Any time the animals come to drink water, this system will capture a front- end body weight. Our algorithms have been developed to convert that partial body weight to a full body weight,” she says.
“On any given day, a producer might get 4 to 8 body weight measurements on an individual animal. With this scale system, which is built with an RFID antenna, we capture that individual animal’s ID and can associate that body weight with that animal in the records. Over a period of a week, we can calculate average daily gain and determine how those animals are performing,” says Harrison.
“These scale systems are handy in extensive grazing systems where there is no access to a chute facility that has a scale, and even for operations that do have access to a working facility, static chute weights would require a lot of animal handling and man power to get cattle weighed. This is an easier way to monitor animals without any extra labor or stress for the cattle,” she says.
This system can also be useful to gain insights on animal health. “If a certain animal doesn’t come to water, producers will get notification sent to them, stating that steer number 462 hasn’t visited water in the last 12 hours.” Either that animal is sick or lame and not traveling much.
“We also have systems for offering supplement for cattle grazing on pasture. We have a Smart Feed pasture trailer that has four different bays, with the same RFID reading technology. Rather than measuring body weight, you can measure how much supplement that animal is consuming and even control supplement access with our SmartFeed and Pro system that is built with a manual exclusion gate,” she says.
“We are starting to see a shift at the cow-calf level toward more individual measuring and management. This real-time data helps provide meaningful insights so producers can make better breeding and culling decisions as well as monitoring animal health and welfare.” It also helps monitor and manage intake and feed efficiency.
These systems are being used now by seedstock producers in bull performance evaluation tests, as well as grazing systems. “It’s a single tool that will work, no matter what your operation is,” says Harrison.
These versatile systems work very well. “The support that our group provides the producers helps them become comfortable with the technology. From speaking to different producer audiences, I know that technology and all the apps we have today can be overwhelming. All of our equipment at C-Lock is manufactured in the U.S. in South Dakota, and you can get a real person on the phone, if you have questions or need help.”
With the SmartScales the producer gets a report with all the weights, and the average daily gain. “If they are using both C-Lock SmartScale and SmartFeed systems (that measure dry matter intake) we can calculate the animal’s feed conversion rate. The producer can then have a measurement for that animal’s efficiency. We also calculate residual feed intake, as well, and provide them with a report so they can start to gain more insight on their cattle,” says Harrison.
“We currently have both of those systems with cattle producers across the U.S. and in Australia. These tools have been tested and in use for 10 years. All of this data is accepted by breed organizations including Angus, Hereford, and Charolais producers. They are all using our equipment and it is widely accepted across all platforms,” she says.
“It will also integrate with any other software the producer is using. They might be using another software platform from BreedPlan to log some of their data and metrics, and our system can automatically communicate with some of those. The producer wouldn’t have to manually transfer any data; our application programming interface (API) would simply send that information to whatever platform they are already using. Sometimes they fear that since they are already using such-and-such web platform they don’t want to switch to another user and try to make it work. We can streamline that process, and this is something that is unique to C-Lock and our technology. We have the in-house data team that can handle all of that,” she says.
DATAMARS LIVESTOCK – Wes Schroeder, Senior Sales Territory Manager, at Datamars Livestock says monitoring systems are important for livestock producers. “We can’t manage what we can’t measure,” he says. Datamars has been in the Livestock weighing business for almost 50 years and Tru-Test scales have been a staple in the cattle weighing industry.
“We capture livestock weights, put them in a useable form that producers can use, to evaluate that cattle data. Electronic identification has helped us manage that data. Typically, producers will use visual identification, type it into the Tru-Test scale indicator. Utilizing the Tru-Test EID reader, Bluetooth into the Scale indicator, allows us to seamlessly enter an EID (electronic identification) into the Tru-Test scale indicator with the push of a button. Data entered in the scale indicator can be uploaded to the PC or stored in the cloud for retrieval at later date with the Datalink PC software, which is included with the Tru-Test systems,” says Schroeder.
An option on the Tru-Test XRS2i EID reader is custom alert notification. “If we are working processed cattle and have some antibiotic concerns and want to be notified at the headgate of the chute, we can preload those alerts into the Tru-Test EID reader, and it gives us that notification. This notification is visual, sound and vibration recognition.”
The animal Life Data information is stored in the scale indicator. “We can utilize that information in the next cattle working session. We can take weights on the animals, evaluate average daily gain, and enter specific animal information that the producer needs.” The information is saved into the system and available for evaluation. This makes every step customized and seamless at the chute to process cattle, and the data collection won’t slow the cattle processing any longer than necessary.
“Tru-Test scales indicators have an option to link injections to the data record. The Tru-Test XR5000 has a built-in weigh dosage calculator. Weight-sensitive drugs can be calculated and the cc’s displayed, recorded then administer to the livestock. Also fixed doses can be entered and recorded.” says Schroeder.
Datamars offers 2 stick reader options, the XRS2i and the SRS2i. “The SRS2i is a basic reader typically used with a Scale setup. The XRS2i is a more advanced EID reader; it has a keyboard so you can type in information and use it as a stand-alone unit,” says Schroeder.
“We also have the XRP2i system which is a chute-based or alley-based EID reader. With the XRP2i, we permanently mount a large or small antenna on the chute or alleyway and tie it into the XRP2i reader box. It will forward that EID to the scale head or to a computer if you prefer, without you having to pick up an EID wand or push a button,” he says.
“We select the indicator that best fits the customer’s needs. “The Tru-Test S3, is our basic indicator that will collect the weight and blue-tooth that over to your Datalink phone app. You can then type in the visual ID. The EZWegh 7i is an entry level EID indicator that allows the producer to record EID, VID and one open code field along with the weight. It will also calculate an ADG. If you want something that’s more of a ruggedized, chute-side computer, the Tru-Test ID 5000 or the XR 5000 may be more what you need. The 5000 series adds additional record collecting customization and numeric and alpha keys tactical keypads. They are very easy to work, even with gloves on,” he says.
“We also have a full line of Tru-Test weigh bars. The weigh bars themselves are matched to the customer’s alleyway, cage or chute system, so scale system will work the most efficiently for their operation. With the Super Damp weighing technology, the scale along with the load bars are not trying to balance and land on a weight. It is taking several readings and averaging them. “It will do this in 3 to 5 seconds. If the animal walks in, it has the weight in 3 seconds. If the animal is jumping around and won’t stand still, it might take 5 seconds. If you don’t think the weight is correct, you can hit a reweigh feature and weigh it again without backing the animal off the scale to start over.
“We have 25 sales reps across the U.S. who are trained in the Tru-Test systems. We have support staff at our main office in Texas as well as on-line support. When the product is sold, that’s just the beginning; we are there to help get the Tru-Test scale indicator, load bars and the EID readers working according to the way the producer wants it to work for his or her operation. Each producer needs a little different data so we can help customize it. We keep it user-friendly; it’s not one size fits all,” says Schroeder. “Remember… You can’t manage what you can’t measure!”
GALLAGHER – Wes Chism, Business Development Manager for Animal Performance and Traceability at Gallagher, says Gallagher offers an array of EID readers. “Whether we are providing customers with an EID reader, scale or fencer, we try to find solutions we can tailor to them. With our EID reader we currently have two models, a lower end and a higher end, with a new economy reader coming next spring. Our HR4 is an entry-level model now, but will then be the middle level,” he says. The new model will be available at the NCBA convention for anyone who wants to look at it.
“We are excited about what it will do; it will fit a lot of people and provide solutions for those who are trying to get up to speed with traceability and EID requirements,” he says. The HR4 is not just an EID wand. It does collect some data, as well as reading an EID. For cow-calf guys just starting to put EID tags in calves at birth, they can capture some data as well. It is very simple and easy to use in a robust design.
“Our other model is the HR5 and it’s the Cadillac version with all the bells and whistles. It takes 9 data points and an EID. Producers running stocker calves who are still roping and dragging calves in a pasture where there isn’t a chute facility are able to use this device. We are seeing more producers using mobile corrals and chute systems to take to remote pastures and the guys who have those systems are using a very basic kind of scale. They can use that scale with this wand and still collect all the data they would ever want. The HR5 is a stand-alone device but can also be paired with a simple scale and do as much with it as you can with one of our advanced scale units,” he says.
“One of the things I like about it, from a cow-calf standpoint, is a feature called mothering. You can pair up calves with their dam’s ID at birth with just an EID. It’s really handy if you have the mother’s visual number such as an ear tag, brisket tag, freeze brand, etc. You can pair that calf with a visual or an EID at birth, in this system. Both of those models have a pistol grip, rather than a true baton. This is handier and you can use it all day long and not wear yourself out,” he explains.
There are also some exciting changes in recent years, regarding precision scales. “We try to hit the sweet spot for each customer’s needs. We offer an entry-level WO scale and a top end WR5, and three that fit between those two models,” he says.
“The WO will only capture weight, but it is a blue-tooth enabled scale head. It can blue-tooth to mobile devices if you are using a third-party app, integrated with CattleMax or AgriWeb and does this seamlessly. If a producer is just getting started using a scale or if this is their secondary unit on the back forty, and that working facility doesn’t get used as often, this is an adequate unit and it does pair to the third-party devices and software very easily,” says Chism.
The next step above it is the W1 scale. “We are the only company that offers wireless blue-tooth load bars, and offer two models—and they only work with our equipment. The W1 scale is our entry-level EID and wireless load bar. If a producer doesn’t want cords and wants to go wireless for a mobile chute system, this works great,” he says.
“We partner with several companies on these scales. Pearson made a model called the Cow Boss that can be hydraulic or manual. This chute is designed with those wireless load bars integrated into the chute system. If you are pulling it down the road to another location, you don’t have to worry about cables getting run over or pulled off.” The W1 scale fits with the wireless load bars and can also pair up with a blue-tooth EID reader. “If a person wants to start doing EID they can easily do it with wireless load bars,” he says.
The next step up is the TW1. “It has the same functions as the W1 but is a touch-screen model. We are the only company that offers a touch-screen scale now on a Tru-Scale head. It will do a 9-way drafter. In other countries they do more with automated drafting off a weight. They draft off other traits collected as well, and focus heavily on trying to minimize weight gaps; they try to get contemporary groups’ weight variation as small as possible. The TW1 can do that with its touch screen. It’s still blue-tooth enabled for our load bars and EID reader,” says Chism.
“The Sweet Spot, the TW3, is our best seller, right in the middle. It does everything we’ve talked about and can collect 3 data points chute-side. For most producers, this is where they need to be. The TW3 has a full keyboard and is very easy to use. I’ve seen anyone from a 10-year-old to 80-year-old walk up for the first time and intuitively use it. With a full keyboard they can figure it out readily and don’t have to hit a number 3 times to get to the letter c, for instance. It’s very simple,” he says.
“We offer a software upgrade with that unit. It has the software functionality of our biggest scale head, at less cost. This allows a producer to future-proof. If they don’t know where they’ll want to be in 3 years or 5 years, it’s a good unit to choose because they still have some room to grow with it,” he says.
“Our TWR 5 is our Cadillac. It does 9 traits chute-side and has an integrated panel reader hookup. If you want stationary panel antennas to run in the chute or through an alleyway, you don’t need to have a control module, like we did a few years ago. The panel reader will plug directly into that scale head and it has an integrated control module inside it. This will run a scale as readily as the stationery EID panels. It will do a 9-way draft as well, just like the other touch-screen models, and a full keyboard,” he says.
“A nice thing about it is the software. We offer a free everyday version and a paid subscription version. Ours is integrated with our hardware. If you have the AP-plus subscription with your TWR5 you will have pedigree information chute-side as well, and can access this when a calf comes in; you use your EID reader or type in the visual ID and it will pull up that animal. You can tap a button and see the pedigree,” says Chism.
“Another component with that is called historical view or custom view. We have customers doing a lot of AI work on commercial females, trying to create extra value for those. They can look back and see that this group of females was sired by X bull or bulls. If they want to mate them to a certain bull, that info can be preloaded into the scale. They may not be weighing those females, but just wanding them, and there’s a guy thawing out semen, three head behind the guy in the chute that’s breeding and wanding.” They can just pull up data on the scale head to tell them what the next mating is going to be, saving time and eliminating error.
“People also use this at preg-check, to get those cattle in and out of the chute quicker. This reduces stress on the cattle, and makes life easier for everyone. You don’t have one person sitting there, wearing out a notebook trying to figure out what something is. It saves a lot of time,” he says.
“We worked cattle recently with one of our producers who uses our equipment to the max, and we averaged 30 seconds per head on cows going through the chute. That producer has been with us a couple years, so a lot of data was in there. We were taking weight, checking ID, recording whether or not that animal should go into a certain group, and sorting two different ways based on age, body condition score and weight. As dry as our pastures are here, the cows that needed a little more care went into a different group, to receive better nutrition,” says Chism.
“Those guys were sending the thinner cows—older and younger—to what decent grass they had left, and the cows in pretty good condition were going to a lesser-quality pasture. They were trying to balance out the resources they had,” he says.
“With these records, they can look back in the spring when they start calving and look at weights. When they get to weaning they can look for trends on the ones that went to better pasture versus the ones to lesser pasture and see how it worked,” he says
“Everything we are trying to do on our scale heads, software, EID, etc. empowers our producers, to be able to manage everything within their realm, whether they are cow-calf guys running 30 head and needing just a basic scale, or someone with a large herd. We work with some big corporate operations running 1000 head or more in multiple locations and they have one central data base and have 5 satellite ranches. We cover the entire spectrum,” says Chism.
“This is all I do—work with producers and figure out ways to meet their needs with the scale and EID segments of our company. I look after the U.S. and Canada for Gallagher Global, and everything I do is focused on scales, EID equipment or software.”
The technology has evolved tremendously in the last 10 years. “I am originally from Kentucky. My family ran Charolais and Angus. I finished college at University of Kentucky, then worked for the International Charolais Association as their Southwest Rep for almost 6 years. I’ve been with Gallagher 9 years,” he says.
“We have a Gallaher scale system at home on the ranch and we’ve had it for 20 years. You look at it versus where we are today, and it’s a night and day difference. I keep telling my dad and brother we could upgrade that one a little and my dad says it’s still ok, doing everything they need to do.” The younger generation takes to new technology a little quicker sometimes.
“It’s interesting, looking at various operations. Since 2010, I have spent most of my time on ranches across the country, and in Canada. The generational changes are very interesting. We often miss the mom and dad generation. I am almost 40 and guys my age and younger are the ones coming back to the ranch. It’s grandpa and grandma still on the ranch; we are missing that generation in between.” Some of the middle generation left to try to do something that makes more money than ranching!
“It is heartwarming to see the younger generation coming back to try to keep the ranch going, so it won’t have to be sold. My brother stayed on our ranch and is making it work. In many situations we are unable to make it an easy transition for some folks because grandpa is doing it one way and we missed that next step and now we are having to take a huge leap,” he says. This can be frustrating and challenging for some of the older folks because they don’t want to have to learn anything new at their age.
“When we are at a trade show or producer event, often the patriarch of the ranch comes to our booth with his grandkids, and sometimes great-grandkids. Grandpa will tell you what he wants, and then grandma will tell you what he actually needs, and we talk to him a little. He usually says it sounds really interesting, but we need to talk to that kid—and points to the grandchild!” The kids can do all the technical things with apps and computers that baffle many older folks.
“On the other side of the coin, we see some producers, especially in the Midwest, who are accustomed to a high level of technology in the crop side of their operations. They have more experience (with precision farming) and dive right into it.”
Now precision technology is moving into the cattle industry. “We are a little behind, but we are making big strides now, embracing technology and embracing change,” says Chism.
