University Of Kentucky Gets Grant To Study Drone Technology For Livestock
21 September, 2024- A USDA grant was given to the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College. The grant is for $910,000 from the USDA. The team will use the grant to develop and refine Drone technology for cattle management.
This project will last five years. The subtitle was “Precision Cattle Management: Cattle Surveillance and Herding Utilizing Collaborative Drones”. It explores how Drones can assist in herding and monitoring cattle. Physiological data collection from beef cattle is another major goal of the study. The project aims to reduce labor demands. For cattle producers, it also aims to increase operational efficiency.
The study will concentrate on a few critical goals. Initially, a multi-agent Drone control system will be developed by the team. This technique will allow Drones to operate around cattle. This system will adjust its operations based on animal behaviour and movement. It will ensure safe and effective interaction.
The project will examine the physiological responses of cattle. It will focus on how different breeds react to the Drones’ presence and movement.
Creating methodologies will be an essential component of the research as well. These methods will estimate cattle weight. This will use Drone-captured imagery. Jackson hopes to create 3D models from aerial photographs. This could lead to accurate weight estimates. These estimates could streamline cattle management practices.
Financial viability will also be a primary concern. The research team plans to assess cost-effectiveness. They will consider incorporating Drone technology into various sizes of livestock production. This will include on-farm trials. We will find the ideal Drone count through the trials. They will consider different herd sizes. They will also assess the potential return on investment for producers.
The interdisciplinary team includes UK experts. Veterinary science, agricultural economics, and mechanical and aerospace engineering are their fields of expertise. This ensures the project addresses technical challenges. It also addresses the practical needs of cattle producers.
“A fun part of being on a team that has a broad range of expertise is that you are learning something new”, Michael said. Michael Sama is the Gatton Foundation Distinguished Professor. He oversees Graduate Studies in addition to this role. Additionally, he is a collaborator on the project.
The research aims to produce a set of guidelines and tools. These will be for livestock producers across the country to adopt.
The BAE program in the UK is a partnership. Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment in the United Kingdom takes part. Additionally, Karen Pigman College of Engineering and UK Stanley are taking part.
Work funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture produced this content. It is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture under award number 2024-69014-42393. The USDA offers equal employment and service opportunities. This publication’s views, discoveries, decisions, and proposals are those of the author(s). These opinions do not reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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