The Use of Remote Sensing in Animal Agriculture Cody Massey SOIL/BAE

Remote Sensing The science and art of obtaining information about an object, area, or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in contact with object, area, or phenomenon under investigation. The science and art of obtaining information about an object, area, or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in contact with object, area, or phenomenon under investigation.

Thermographic Technology Camera mounted on a rail scans the barn Senses temperature of each animal Cuts human error Less labor

Boluses Retained in the rumen Measure temperature Downloaded to computer Make medical decisions Eliminate human error

GPS Tracking animals in a field Eliminate grazing distribution problems by moving: fences water water supplements supplements Find calving animals

National Animal Identification System 3 parts – premise registration animal identification animal identification animal movement reporting animal movement reporting BSE (mad cow) 2003 Implementation by January 2009

National Animal Identification System Goal is allow the government to more effectively trace the occurrence of disease outbreaks Must be able to trace animal back to the owner and all places and other animals the infected animal has been in contact with, with in 48 hours.

RFID Radio frequency identification Can be read by fixed/portable antenna or a hand reader $2.25

Some Other Options Microchips injected subcutaneous Boluses retained in the rumen Retinal scans every animal has a unique retinal image, even twins

Locations such as vet clinics, sale barns, and show arenas might use an antenna reader somewhere with in the building. The animals number will be read and downloaded to a database.

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