Importance

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Abstract

A comprehensive and accurate feed rate monitoring and control system and method for livestock feeding operations includes a central programmable controller mounted in a feed distributing truck into which is input specific information for each livestock pen and associated feed bunk. This information includes the pen number, the length of the feed bunk, any unusual pen configuration and the amount of feed to be distributed in each bunk. The computer then calculates initial set points for vehicle speed and/or discharge door opening, taking into account the bunk length and any special pattern feeding criteria due to pen configuration. The system can display these set points for manual control or the feed truck optionally includes an accurate ground speed sensor or truck position sensor and an accurate feed rate sensor, which can be a load cell mounted on the feed chute itself. Once a feed run is commenced along a specific bunk, the controller provides real time monitoring of vehicle speed and feed rate, constantly recalculating the amount remaining to be fed and the length remaining to the end of the bunk, which variables are then used to update and adjust the set points for vehicle speed and/or discharge opening.

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First Claim