Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
-1- 1311057
CO~PUTERIZED P~OCESS AND SYSTEM FOR ASSIGNING
AND DELIVERING FEED TO ANIMALS IN A FEEDLOT
BACKGROUND OF TH~ INVENTION
This invention relates generally to processes
and systems for feeding animals in a feedlot, and more
particularly, to a computerized process and system for
assigning and delivering feed to each of a plurality of
feed bunks in a feedlot.
Feedlots generally feed thousands of head of
cattle or other animals at various stages of growth.
Cattle within a feedlot are physically contained in
cattle pens, each pen typically having a feed bunk to
receive feed. Ownership of particular cattle in the
feedlot is defined by a unique lot number. The number
of cattle in an owner's lot can vary and may occupy a
fraction of or one or more cattle pens. Within a
particular pen, cattle are fed the same feed ration,
i.e., the same type of ration and ration quantity. A
feedlot thus generally comprises a large number of pens
to accommodate cattle at various growth stages or cattle
that require special feeding because they are sick,
undernourished, etc.
Feeding animals in a large feedlot is a complex
and time-consuming task because of the large number of
ration quantities to be determined each day and
delivered to each pen for deposit in an associated feed
bunk. Generally, feeding cattle in a feedlot is a
two-step process that may be followed once or more a
day. First, the feed bunk of each pen must be checked
to determine the ration quantity to be fed to the cattle
therein at the next feeding. Second, feed trucks loaded
with the appropriate ration quantities are driven to the
feed bunks and the ration quantity for each is dispensed.
The first step is known as "reading" the bunks
to determine the feed assignments. The person reading
the bunks drives past all the active cattle pens in the
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feedlot in a pickup truck or other high profile vehicle
and visually estimates the amount of feed left in each
ounk from the prior feeding. The amount of feed then
assigned depends on several factors, including the
number of cattle in the pen, type of ration desired, the
amount of feed remaining from a prior feeding, weather,
consumption trends, ration changes, etc. Information on
these factors, if available to the person, is written on
a "yard sheet" carried in the truck that also includes
the pen number and lot number of the cattle being fed.
From what the driver sees in each bunk and from
reviewing the consumption history on the yard sheet, he
notes on a separate "feed card" whether the ration
quantity should be changed, along with the lot number,
ration number, and pen number. The feed cards are then
gathered back at a central office to determine the
loading of various feed trucks and the assignment of
pens to be serviced by the trucks.
The present system of reading feed bunks for
assigning feed is slow, inaccurate, and subject to error
in entering data. The person reading the bunks attempts
to drive close enough to each bunk to see the feed,
often before the sun has risen or in dim early morning
light. Without stopping the vehicle, the driver must
read the pen number, review the yard sheet, and write
down feed assignments for the pen on a feed card. Once
all the assignment data on the feed cards is gathered
together, considerable time is then spent matching
rations numbers and ration quantities with pen numbers,
and determining the feed truck routing for delivering
the feed as quickly as possible to the bunks. Loads are
assigned to a truck according to the ration number,
pounds of feed to make a full truck, and the route to be
followed in delivering to the pens. This portion of the
first step is done manually and takes from 15 minutes to
2 hours, depending upon the size of the feedlot.
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Moreover, often no yard sheet is accessible at the pens
and the feed assignments are made without the advantage
of this information.
The second step of -the process is delivery of
feed to the appropriate pens. From the data gathered on
the feed cards, a pen ticket is prepared for each of the
cattle pens which bears the desired ration quantity.
The ration quantities for a number of pens are then
weighed and placed in a feed truck for delivery to the
feed bunks. Each feed truck typically carries only one
type of ration and has a scale for weighing quantities
loaded or discharged from the truck, and a conveyor for
conveying feed into the bunks. At the feed bunk of a
cattle pen, the operator discharges the appropriate
ration quantity by noting the desired loss of weight of
ra~ion from the truck on its scale. At the beginning
and end of the weighing, the operator inserts the ticket
into the scale to record the beginning and ending
weights. From these weights the amount actually
discharged can be determined. These tickets are then
taken to the central office at the end of the route and
the information manually entered into an accounting
system to charge the feed cost to each cattle lot owner.
This feeding step, like the reading of the feed
bunks, is labor intensive and time-consuming. The feed
truck route and feed rations must all be calculated by
hand from the information on the feed cards.
Transferring data from pen tickets to the accounting
system is also subject to error. Moreover, there is
nothing in the present system to actively warn the feed
truck operator if he is dispensing the wrong ration type
or ration quantity in a cattle pen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, an object of the invention is to
provide an improved process and system for assigning
feed to feed bunks in a feedlot.
_ 4 _ 1311057
Another object of the invention is to provide
such a process and system that allow the user to quickly
review up-to-date yard sheet data as he makes the feed
assignment.
Yet another object of the invention is to
provide such a process and system in which assignment
data is entered by keyboard, scanner, or other
labor-saving device that avoids the need for handwritten
notes or feed cards.
Still another object of the invention is to
provide such a process and system that organize a
feeding route for feed trucks from the assignment data
entered.
Yet another object of the invention is to
provide a feed delivery process and system that
efficiently track the feed to be delivered to each feed
bunk in the feedlot.
Still another object of the invention is to
provide such a feed delivery process and system in which
the type of feed ration and its quantity can be verified
for a feed bunk before discharge into the bunk.
To achieve these objects, a process and system
for assigning feed to feed bunks in a feedlot includes a
computer for recording and storing feed consumption data
for each of a plurality of cattle pens in the teedlot.
Providing feed assignment data for the computer is a
data entry means accessible at each feed bunk, such as
the keyboard of a portable computer. Through the
keyboard, the driver can communicate with the computer
to review the feed consumption data while entering feed
assignment data and can transfer to the computer the
assignment data entered after the driver completes the
bunk reading route. The computer is adapted to store
the assignment data for updating the feed consumption
data for each of the feed bunks.
In the present embodiment, the computer
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comprises a host computer for storing the feed
consumption data and a portable computer associated witn
the data entry means for recording the assignment data
entered. The portable computer is adapted to receive
the feed consumption data prior to the reading of the
bunks and to transfer the recorded assignment data to
the host computer after completion of the route.
The cattle pens in the feedlot may include
automated identification means such as an RF transmitter
or a bar code. These means can be quickly and
accurately read by a corresponding machine such as an RF
receiver or bar code scanner associated with the data
entry means. By use of such a machine, errors in
matching pens to assignment data are prevented.
A process and system for delivering feed
rations to the feed bunks are also disclosed. The
computer is adapted to provide feed delivery data, based
on the assignment data, that indicates the type of feed
ration and ration quantity for each of the cattle pens
~0 that have been read. Feed trucks are then filled and
follow routes provided by the computer to dispense the
feed. Each feed truck includes a scale which can be
read by the computer through data entry means to
determine the actual feed dispensed in each feed bunk
and to monitor the ration quantity as it is being
dispensed. The computer can also check against possible
incorrect dispensing of a ration or alert the truck
operator to a withdrawal problem.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and
advantages of the invention will become more apparent
from the following detailed description of a preferred
embodiment which proceeds with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for
assigning feed to each feed bunk according to the
invention.
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FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing data
transfer between the portable and host computer of
FIG. 1.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are a flowchart illustrating
the computerized operation of the system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a system for
delivering feed to each feed bunk according to the
invention.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are a flowchart illustrating0 the computerized opeLation of the system of FIG. 40
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The Bunk Reader Process and System
Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there
is shown several cattle pens 12 in a feedlot, each
having an associated feed bunk. A feed bunk holds a
ration, i.e., a type of feed, in a selected quantity for
the cattle contained within the pen. The arrow 18
represents a route that a truck 20 may take for the
driver to view the condition of each feed bunk from the
truck cab. That route, as will be described, depends on
which cattle pens contain cattle and are thus currently
receiving feed.
Each pen and associated feed bunk have means of
identification such as an alphanumeric symbol (i.e.,
alOl, dlO4, 112, etc.~ mounted near the truck route that
can be read by the person viewing the bunks.
Alternatively, the identification may be through
automated means such as an RF signal transmitted locally
by a transmitter 22 or a bar code 24 affixed to the
cattle pen. Such means provide an accurate
identification of the pen without the driver having to
attempt a written entry onto a feed card.
To "read" the bunks, i.e., identify the bunks
and assignment data regarding feed rations, the driver
carries in the cab a portable computer 26 such as a
PDTlll manufactured by the MSI Data Corporation. The
7 131 1057
computer 26 includes a data entry means such as a
keyboard 28 for entering feed assignment data and a
display screen 30 for optimally viewing yard sheet data
while making a feed assignment. If the cattle pens
include automated identification means such as the
transrnitter 22 or bar code 24, a corresponding data
entry means such as a machine capable of reading the
identification signal is coupled to the computer 26.
For reading the bar codes 24, a bar code scanner 32,
such as the SYMBOLTEC*LS8100 available from the MSI
Corporation, is connected to the computer 26 via a
conventional laser interface module 34. For reading the
RF signals generated by transmitters 22, a conventional
RF receiver 36 may be connected to the computer 26 via a
conventional demodulator/decoder module 38. Whichever
of the scanner 32 or receiver 36 is utilized, the
machine is coupled to one of the computer's serial I/O
port 40. Alternative means of automatic cattle perl
identification may include Loran-type radio frequency
triangulation, sound waves, etc.
The portable computer 26 is adapted to receive
the feed consumption data before a reading of tne feed
bunks so that the driver may review that data while
entering assignment data. The portable computer 26 is
also adapted to communicate with a host computer 42 for
transferring the assignment data to it after all the
feed bunks have been read. The movement of data between
computers is illustrated in FIG. 2. The assignment data
is utilized by the host computer to update its feed
consumption data for each of the corresponding cattle
pens. The feed consumption data includes consumption
history for each pen, weather history (which affects
feeding), physical condition of the feed bunk, which
bunks should presently be read, and other data relevant
to feeding. The assignment data may include a change in
the ration quantity to be assigned and the present
P,i * Trade-mark
I
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physical condition of the bunk, i.e., whether the bunk
is completely empty, needs to be cleaned, whether the
feed needs to be mixed with hay, or the time of feeding
to be changed, etc.
The host computer 42 is normally located remote
from the cattle pens because this computer is required
for a number of additional feedlot operational and
management tasks that require central access. It should
be noted, however, that the portable computer 26 could
be replaced by a "dumb" terminal and linked to the host
computer continuously by radio signal instead of a
physical connection. It should also be understood that
the use of a host computer is not required for the
invention. The feed consumption data could be stored
and updated solely in the portable computer 26. This
approach is usually not done because the feed
consumption data is utilized for other purposes, such as
management and invoicing, and must be made available for
those purposes in a computer 42 located centrally in the
feedlot.
The host computer 42 is programmed to utilize
the newly entered assignment data for a number of
tasks. One task is to determine the best or most
efficient route for the truck 20 to read the selected
feed bunks in the feedlot. As different cattle pens are
emptied and filled with cattle, this data is entered in
the host computer 42 to update the feed consumption
data. The computer 42 calculates therefrom the best
route through the cattle lot to read the currently used
bunks. The route is transferred to the portable
computer as part of the feed consumption data at the
beginning of a bunk reading. At each pen during the
route, pen numbers may be displayed on screen 30 after
the previous bunk is read. The entered assignment data
is also used to organize feed rations to be delivered to
each feed bunk. This data is defined as feed delivery
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g
data and may be printed out for a feed truck operator by
Means of a printer 46 coupled to the computer 42 as
shown in FIG. 2 and as will be described.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are a flowchart illustrating
the computerized operation of the bunk reader system.
For clarity, each step of the flowchart described herein
is followed by a numeral in parenthesis corresponding to
the flowchart steps in the fiyure. Prior to beginning a
reading of the bunks, the feed consumption data is
downloaded from the host computer 42 into the portable
computer 26 and the computer 26 placed in the truck cab.
With the driver approaching a feed bunk, the
program within the computer 26 is called (50). The
driver is first prompted to enter a number to determine
the identification means for the cattle pen (52). If he
enters the number 1 in response, for example, the
computer 26 displays an expected pen number from the
bunk reader route list generated by the host computer 42
and contained within the feed consumption data
transferred to the computer 26 (54). If the number 2 is
entered, an automated identification means such as
described is employed by the driver (56). The driver
may also enter the pen number manually if desired. The
pen number is then displayed for the driver to confirm
its correctness (58). He confirms by entering a
carriage return on the keyboard 28 or reenters the
number if it is incorrect (60).
With the correct pen number confirmed, the
driver is prvmpted to enter a feed code corresponding to
a change in the ration quantity assigned to the pen's
feed bunk (62). The code is simple: +l is entered to
increase the ration quantity; 0 is entered for no change
in the ration quantity; and -1 is entered to decrease
the ration quantity. These entries are later translated
by the host computer 42 into a percentage change in the
base amount of the ration quantity, e.g., 5%. Note that
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the driver need not identify the ration type
explicitly. This identification is made by the host
computer from the entered pen number.
At this point, the driver has the option of
entering a flag code (64). Flag codes correspond to the
physical condition ot the bunk, feeding priority,
feeding mix changes, or other actions to be taken while
or before more feed is delivered (66). For example, if
the driver notices a feed bunk is wiped clean or
"slick," he enters a number code indicating that
condition. If the bunk should be cleaned, another code
number is entered. If hay should be mixed in with the
next ration quantity, still another code number is
entered, etc.
Once the feed code and flag codes, if desired,
have been entered, the computer 26 prompts the driver on
whether to display the historical feed consumption data
for the pen (68). The driver typically evaluates this
data only if the feeding of the cattle in the pen
appears to be unusual. For example, a bunk that is
slick several days in a row may indicate the base amount
of feed is too small. Conversely, too much feed left
over from a prior feeding may indicate the base amount
is excessive. The consumption data indicates the actual
ration quantities dispensed previously, as well as
weather history that may affect prior feeding (70). The
driver then has the option of changing the base amount
of the next ration quantity (72) by entering a command.
He may increase it (74), decrease it (76), or leave it
unchanged. If the base amount of the ration quantity is
to remain the unchanged, the driver simply enters a
return on keyboard 28.
The computer 26 then checks to determine if the
route is finished (78~. If not, the driver is prompted
to proceed to the next pen and the bunk reading
continues. Once all feed bunks have been read, the
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driver is prompted to confirm that the bunk reading
route is finished (79).
The Feed Delivery Process and System
The assignment data entered during the feed
bunk reading is transferred to the host computer 42 for
generating feed delivery data. This data, organized by
ration type, is used for loading feed trucks and for
organizing feed truck routes though the feed lot. An
example of the delivery data produced by the host
computer 42 for the feed trucks is shown in Table I
below.
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TA E~LE
FEED LOADOUT REPORT
PenPounds to Feed
*al 01 500
blO2 1000
c103 2000
dlO4 1500
elO5 1300
10 * Fl06 2000
9107 3000
hlO8 4000
ilO9 3000
jllO 1500
15 * klll 3000
112 3500
mll 3 3500
MAXIMUM LOAD SI ZE = 6000 lbs .
LOAD NO. 1
* alOl 500
* F106 2000
25 * klll 3000
Total 5500
L OAD NO . 2
blO2 lQ00
c103 2000
dl 041500
elO5 1300
Total 5800
* denotes first priority to feed
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Normally, each ~eed truck carries one type of feed
ration and is filled with selected ration quantities to
its rnaximum load. For example, in Table I above, the
ration quantities for pen number alOl, E'106, and klll
S have been combined in a single load of 5500 lbs., that
is near the maximum load of 6000 lbs. for a feed truck.
These quantities were determined from the amount of
ration quantity for each pen plus whatever changes have
been made to the base amount from prior readings of the
feed bunks. Note also that the flag code for feeding
priority was entered during the last bunk readings. The
priority loads are thus combined by the computer 42 into
the first load to be delivered to the cattle pens.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a
drawing of a computerized feed delivery system. A feed
truck 80 includes a weighing scale 82 for weighing the
total load in the truck hopper and for weighing
individually the ration quantities to be dispensed into
each feed bunk. The scale is conventional and is
adapted to provide an output signal indicating the
weight of the load. Accompanying the truck operator is
another portable computer 26 the same as or similar to
the type used for bunk reading. It includes a keyboard
28, display screen 30, and one or more I/O ports 40.
The computer 26 is adapted to connect to the scale 82
through an I/O port 40. As in the bunk reader system,
the computer 26 may be associated with other data entry
means such as an RF receiver 36 or bar code scanner 32.
The feed bunks, of course, may include corresponding
automated identification means such as RF transmitters
22 or bar code 24. FIG. 4 further shows a feed mill 84
from which feed is obtained for delivery to the feed
bunks. The mill 84 has a number of ration bins 86 each
holding a different type of ration and having means of
identification such as an alphanumeric symbol, radio
signal from a transmitter 22, or a bar code 24 affixed
to the bin.
t3~ ~Q~
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The type of feed ration and base amount of
ration quantity for each cattle pen when initially
filled with cattle is entered into host computer 42 by a
feedlot supervisor. The ration quantities may be
modified by the assignment data from the bunk readings.
However, if the type of ration for the pen is changed or
if drugs are added to the basic ration, this information
is entered directly into the host computer. Certain
drugs cannot be taken by cattle immediately be~ore they
are shipped from the feedlot for slaughter. One of the
functions of the feed delivery system is to make certain
that cattle ready for slaughter have drugs withdrawn
from their feed rations in a timely manner, as will be
shown.
FIGS. 5A and SB are a flowchart that
illustrates the interactive programming of the computer
26 for directing the feed truck operator to deliver the
appropriate ration and quantity to each pen. Initially,
the host computer 42 has generated the feed delivery
data for each pen from the assignment data received from
the bunk reading. Prior to delivery, the feed delivery
data shown in Table I is downloaded into the portable
computer 26 via an I/O port 40. The present manner of
transfer is the same as in FIG. 2, the difference being
that in this step feed delivery data is transferred from
the host computer 42 to the portable computer 26 prior
to the delivery and feed dispensed data is transferred
from the portable 26 to the host computer 42 after
delivery.
The operator first proceeds to the mill 84 for
loading the feed truck and calls the program (90). At
the mill, he enters his feed delivery truck number and
operator number (92, 94). If the operator is using an
RF receiver 36 or bar code scanner 32 to identify the
particular feed bin, he enters a return on the keyboard
28 to automatically read the identifying ration number,
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e.g., "2," on the bin (96, 98). Otherwise, the ration
number is entered manually. 'I'he operator then connects
the computer 26 through its I/O port 40 to the scale 82
and enters a return to record the empty scale weight
(100, 102). That information may be entered manually as
well (100). The operator proceeds to load the feed
truck to the level specified in Table I, provided to him
on a printout (104). The sca.le is again read to
determine the total weight of feed loaded, either
automatically (106, 108) or manually (106). At this
point, the ration number and the total ration quantity
loaded into the truck have been recorded in the computer
26, as well as the ration quantity or amount to be
delivered to each pen in Table I.
The driver then proceeds to the first pen 12
whose number, alOl, is retrieved from the route list
produced by the host computer 42 and displayed on the
display screen 30 (110). Upon arriving at the indicated
pen, the driver identifies the pen using a machine (112,
114) or manually (112). The computer 26 in response
compares the entered pen number against the pen numbers
that are to receive that ration number to determine if
the operator has driven to a correct pen (116). If the
two numbers do not match, an alarm is given (118). The
operator is then asked via the screen 30 if dispensing
feed for that pen should be aborted (120). An
affirmative answer aborts the feeding at the pen, and
the screen 30 directs the driver to proceed to the next
pen. The operator gives a negative answer to override
and dispense the feed. The computer then determines if
there is a feed withdrawal problem, as described (122).
As before, an alarm is given if a potential problem
exists (124) and the operator is given the chance to
abort the pen feeding (126).
Immediately before the operator proceeds to
dispensing the feed, the scale is again read manually or
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automatically (128, 130). The computer 26 then displays
on the screen 30 the target weight for the truck
operator (132). The operator dispenses feed (134), with
the computer 26 monitoring the scale weight as the
5 weight dispensed approaches the desired ration quantity
for the feed bunk. The operator is notified by alarm or
otherwise when the dispensed quantity is close to the
desired quantity, such as within a hundred pounds
(136). Once the ration quantity for the pen has been
10 dispensed, the operator enters the remaining scale
weight into the computer (138) to confirm the quantity.
This entry can be made manually or automatically (140).
The program then checks to determine if the
delivery route is finished (142). If not, the driver is
15 prompted to proceed to the next pen and its number is
displayed (110). The program continues until each pen
on the route has received its ration quantity (144).
On returning to the host computer, the portable
computer 26 is taken from the feed truck 80 and the data
20 and actual feed dispensed is transferred from the
computer 26 to the host computer 42. This data is used
to charge feed costs to the lot owners whose cattle are
contained in the pens. An example of data generated by
host computer 42 after comparing the feed delivery data
25 against the feed dispensed data is shown in Table II.
TABLE II
FEED TRUCK NO. 1 REPORT
30 PenRationOrderedFed Diff Date Time
al 01 2 500 505 5 1/21 5:17 PM
F106 2 20001998 -2 1/21 5:19 PM
klll 2 30003002 2 1/21 5:20 PM
Having illustrated and described the principles
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of the invention in a preferred embodiment, it should be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention
can be modified in arrangement and detail without
departing from such principles. We claim all
modifications coming within the spirit and scope of the
following claims.
