Livestock Colostrum Tracking Interface for Timely Feeding Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing colostrum feedings for newborn mammals in farm settings is challenging due to complex schedules, communication issues between technicians, and the reliance on error-prone paper-based or spreadsheet methods, which can lead to missed feedings and impact animal health.
Innovation Solution
A livestock management system utilizing a server and user computing devices with a graphical user interface optimized for mobile devices, enabling real-time tracking and notification of colostrum feedings and health alerts based on sensor data from ingestible boluses, ensuring timely feedings and health monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper-based or spreadsheet methods are used for tracking colostrum feedings, then the system is simple to implement, but errors occur and feedings may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper-based or spreadsheet tracking systems with an automated electronic livestock management system that uses sensors, boluses, and computing devices to automatically monitor and record colostrum feeding events, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of use through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated monitoring where sensors and boluses automatically detect and record feeding events without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to track itself and notify relevant personnel only when actions are due or missed
2Loss of time
If real-time tracking and notification systems are implemented, then feeding timing accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors feeding schedules, automatically notifies personnel of upcoming feeding times, and alerts when feedings are missed or delayed, enabling timely intervention while automating the monitoring process to reduce overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and notifying personnel of upcoming colostrum feeding times before they are due, allowing advance preparation and ensuring timely administration while automating schedule management
3Loss of information
If multiple users access the system simultaneously, then communication between technicians improves, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal graphical user interface that can be accessed by multiple users simultaneously on various computing devices (smartphones, tablets, computers), providing consistent functionality and information across all platforms to improve communication while maintaining interface simplicity through standardized design
4Reliability
If automated health event detection is implemented, then animal health outcomes improve, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual health monitoring with automated sensor-based detection systems that continuously monitor animal health parameters, detect anomalies, and generate alerts, improving health outcome reliability while using standardized sensor technology to manage system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples are directed to livestock management systems and methods. A first user computing device may display a GUI comprising a first animal visual element. The first animal visual element may correspond to the first animal and indicate a first colostrum feeding of the first animal. When a user selects the first animal visual element, the user computing device may display a first colostrum input screen for receiving first colostrum data. The user computing device may also modify the first animal visual element to indicate the time status of the first testing action for the first animal.