Animal Agriculture
UAV Benefits
- Identify sick or down animals that need prompt treatment
- Locate livestock across many acres
- Search for mother and offspring and assess their health
- Inspect fences quickly to determine if they need to be repaired, mowed or sprayed
- View seasonal grazing patterns to determine future forage selection
Challenges
Structural components: Barns and structures pose a risk to animal safety and the UAV.
- Tip: Fly around structures, not over them, to maintain animal safety and prevent damage to the UAV.
Shadows: Extreme light contrasts in and around buildings, making it hard to see animals.
- Tip: Try multiple camera settings and images to find the right balance.
Animal instinct: Animals may instinctively fear the sound or sight of the UAV.
- Tip: Keep a close eye on behavior and take measures to acclimate livestock to the UAV’s presence.
Animal Agriculture Examples
![multicolor thermal image of cattle in a field](_media/thermal-cattle-mobile.jpg)
During a sorghum feed trial, the researchers were having trouble with the heifers jumping the..
![cow looking through fence with eartags](_media/telescopic-eartags-mobile.jpg)
Animal identification is key in keeping good records on livestock. Reading eartags in the pasture..
![uav drone hovers near a herd of cattle](_media/livestock-uav-mobile.jpg)
A common concern when working with UAVs around livestock is whether or not the animals will be...
![counting livestock using a stitched image from 300 feet up](_media/herd-inventory-mobile.jpg)
We are counting livestock using a stitched image from 300 feet up...
![multicolor image of cattle grazing patterns in a field](_media/grazing-patterns-mobile.jpg)
A stitched plant-health map of cover crops shows a grazing gradient where patterns are starting...
![overhead shot of cattle water system](_media/watering-system-aerial-drone-image.jpg)
Checking this automatic water device by UAV allows a farm manager to remotely and quickly...
![liquid tractor pulled applicator in lagoon](_media/manure-management-mobile.jpg)
the bank, but an aerial view can give the operator a new perspective.
![liquid tractor pulled applicator in field](_media/liquid-dry-manure-application-mobile.jpg)
Video was collected from above, behind and to the side of each spreader which allows you to see...
![overhead lagoon shot with green algae growth](_media/aquaculture-mobile.jpg)
You can see reduced algae cover from spring to late summer shows as the pond appears clearer.