UK Innovates with Drones for Advanced Cattle Management

By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, in partnership with the USDA, has embarked on a pioneering five-year project to enhance cattle management through drone technology.

Funded by a substantial $910,000 grant, this research aims to integrate advanced drone systems to assist in herding and monitoring cattle, potentially setting new standards in livestock management.

Josh Jackson, an assistant extension professor and the project's principal investigator, emphasizes that the project builds on previous initiatives. The focus is now on developing a multi-agent drone control system.

This system will allow drones to operate semi-autonomously around cattle, adjusting to the animals' movements and behaviors to ensure safe and effective interactions.

One innovative aspect of the research is the physiological study of cattle in response to drones.

The team is examining how different breeds react to the presence and movements of drones. Insights from these studies will be crucial for tailoring drone operations to minimize stress on the animals.

Additionally, the project is exploring ways to estimate cattle weight using drone-captured imagery.

This approach involves creating 3D models from aerial photos, potentially enabling farmers to monitor cattle weight and health without direct contact.

Achieving accurate weight estimates through drones could significantly streamline farm operations and improve animal welfare.

The research also considers the economic viability of drone technology in cattle management.

Through on-farm trials, the team will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of drones in various farming setups, aiming to identify the optimal number of drones needed and the potential return on investment for producers.

With a team comprising experts from mechanical and aerospace engineering, agricultural economics, and veterinary science, the project is a comprehensive effort to address both the technical and practical needs of cattle producers.

As this research progresses, the University of Kentucky hopes to develop a set of practical guidelines and tools that could be adopted by livestock producers nationwide, heralding a new era of technology-driven livestock management that enhances efficiency, reduces labor needs, and improves overall animal welfare.

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