ABSTRACT
An automatic livestock walk-through scale system consisting of a scale platform, an electronic indicator and an automatic animal spacer has been developed. The electronic indicator has been designed for use with the scale platform that incorporates load cells. The indicator uses a microprocessor which provides autotaring, data processing capabilities, and digital display of animal weight. The automatic animal spacer prevents the bunching up of animals beyond the spacer, and is used effectively in conjunction with the scale for obtaining accurate cattle bodyweight. Trials were undertaken using lo dry cows and 11 beef cattle in order to confirm the accuracy and efficiency of the system. The individual error value, accuracy and precision of measurement were within acceptable accuracy limit of +-1% of bodyweight, +-2 kg and 5 kg respectively when cattle walk through the scale platform with more than 2 steps. Some sources of measurement errors are discussed.HomePage