TY - JOUR
AU - Nascimento, Sheila T.
AB - In line with the concept of precision agriculture, this study aimed to validate the use of digital aerial images captured using a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) for collecting zootechnical data on cattle feedlot systems in a tropical environment. Images were captured on 21 non-consecutive days in 110 pens with up to 150 animals each. Conventional and RPA-based methods were adopted to determine animal behavior, feed trough levels, animal counts, and pen conditions. Data analysis revealed almost perfect agreement (kappa coefficient = 0.901) between trough readings taken by conventional and RPA methods as well as substantial agreement for fecal score (kappa coefficient = 0.785) and surface conditions (kappa coefficient = 0.737). However, animal counts and water quality scores showed only fair agreement, suggesting challenges in using RPA for these specific tasks. The results indicated that RPA represents a viable alternative to conventional methods for monitoring zootechnical indices in feedlots, offering benefits in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The implementation of RPA-based methods holds potential for improving animal management, welfare, and yield in feedlot systems.
TI - Use of Drones for Trough Reading, Animal Counting, and Production Monitoring in Feedlot Systems
JF - AgriEngineering
DO - 10.3390/agriengineering6040253
DA - 2024-11-25
UR - https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/multidisciplinary-digital-publishing-institute/use-of-drones-for-trough-reading-animal-counting-and-production-aPUV20A682
SP - 4460
EP - 4475
VL - 6
IS - 4
DP - DeepDyve
ER -