Kazan GAU: Automatic fodder pusher for agricultural animals

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2024: Presentation of an autonomous fodder nudger

Kazan State Agrarian University has developed an innovative autonomous feed pusher that ensures the constant availability of feed for farm animals during the day, which contributes to their full and balanced nutrition, as well as maintaining optimal health. This was announced on July 8, 2024 in the Kazan GAU.

The self-contained feed pusher we have developed effectively solves the urgent problem of the inaccessibility of part of the animal feed. Often, in the process of feeding, animals involuntarily scatter food in front of themselves, which subsequently does not allow them to reach it. This leads to spoilage and loss of valuable feed, malnutrition of livestock and, as a result, the development of various diseases. Our innovative development allows us to uniformly feed animals 24 hours a day, thereby increasing their immunity, general well-being and productivity, "said Rais Sabirov, associate professor of the Department of Machine and Equipment Operation Kazansky GAU.

The device is powered by batteries, which ensure its autonomous operation for 120 minutes without the need to recharge. The nudger is equipped with ultrasonic sensors for detecting obstacles, as well as a camera, gyroscope and accelerometer for accurate positioning using machine vision and artificial intelligence. The programmable electronic control unit processes data from the sensors and performs autonomous movement of the device along the stern table according to the specified algorithm.

For July 2024, the prototype is being thoroughly tested in the real conditions of livestock farms. By optimizing the feeding process, it is possible to reduce the loss of valuable feed by 12%, as well as reduce the total costs of farms by 10%. For large livestock enterprises, this savings is estimated at tens of millions of rubles per year.

In addition, ensuring that animals have constant access to fresh food helps to strengthen their immunity, increase productivity and improve the quality of milk.

An important advantage of the Russian autonomous fodder nudger is its more affordable price compared to foreign counterparts. Domestic development will cost 500 thousand rubles cheaper.