{"id":103973,"date":"2024-09-17T14:52:01","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T18:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dronelife.com\/?p=103973"},"modified":"2024-09-17T14:52:01","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T18:52:01","slug":"university-of-kentucky-secures-grant-to-develop-drone-technology-for-cattle-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dronelife.com\/2024\/09\/17\/university-of-kentucky-secures-grant-to-develop-drone-technology-for-cattle-management\/","title":{"rendered":"University of Kentucky Secures Grant to Develop Drone Technology for Cattle Management"},"content":{"rendered":"

USDA Funds Five-Year Project to Explore Drone Use in Herding and Monitoring<\/em><\/h3>\n

The University of Kentucky\u2019s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environmen<\/a>t has received a $910,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to advance the use of drone technology in livestock management. The five-year project, titled \u201cPrecision Livestock Management: Cattle Monitoring and Herding Using Cooperative Drones,\u201d<\/em> will focus on using drones to assist cattle producers in herding, monitoring, and gathering data on beef cattle.<\/p>\n

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Biosystems and Agricultral Engineering Professor Dr. Josh Jackson used drones to monitor the health of beef cattle at his farm outside Salvisa, Ky.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This initiative aims to reduce labor demands and improve the efficiency of operations for farmers.<\/p>\n

Advancing Cattle Herding Technology<\/h3>\n

The project continues the university\u2019s efforts to integrate technology into agriculture. Josh Jackson<\/a>, assistant extension professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering<\/a> (BAE) and the project\u2019s principal investigator, explained the team\u2019s goals. \u201cWe\u2019ve previously worked on cattle monitoring using drones, but now our team is exploring how these drones can be used for herding,\u201d Jackson said. \u201cThe idea is to see if we can move cattle with drones in an effective and safe way for the animals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Key objectives of the research include developing a multi-agent drone control system capable of semi-autonomous operation around cattle. This system will adjust to the animals\u2019 behavior and movement, ensuring safe interactions between the drones and the herd.<\/p>\n

The team will also study how different breeds of cattle respond to drones. Jackson emphasized the importance of understanding these reactions, stating, \u201cWe\u2019re interested in how cattle of various breeds respond to the drones. For instance, we\u2019ve seen in our previous work that one drone flying 30 feet above ground level doesn\u2019t bother them much, but if you introduce a second drone or change the flight pattern, their response changes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Developing New Monitoring Methods<\/h3>\n

Another major goal of the research is to create methods for estimating cattle weight through drone imagery. Using aerial photographs to develop 3D models, the team hopes to accurately estimate the weight of cattle without needing to handle them directly. Jackson noted the potential impact of this technology, saying, \u201cIf we can get within 5% accuracy using drones, it could revolutionize how farmers monitor the health and growth of their herds.\u201d<\/p>\n

The project will also investigate the economic viability of using drones in cattle production. On-farm trials will assess the cost-effectiveness of deploying drones in operations of various sizes and determine the number of drones needed to optimize herd management.<\/p>\n

\u201cFarmers want to know if this technology makes sense financially,\u201d Jackson said. \u201cWhile it might not be cost-effective right now, there\u2019s potential for future advancements to make it more accessible and affordable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Practical Solutions<\/h3>\n

The University of Kentucky\u2019s research team includes experts from mechanical and aerospace engineering, agricultural economics, and veterinary science, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the technical and practical challenges of drone deployment.<\/p>\n

Michael Sama<\/a>, Gatton Foundation Distinguished Professor and director of graduate studies, highlighted the value of this interdisciplinary collaboration. \u201cWe\u2019ve come a long way in just a few years researching drone use for livestock management and are looking forward to where this project leads us,\u201d Sama said.<\/p>\n

The research will ultimately aim to develop guidelines and tools for livestock producers across the country. Jackson expressed optimism about the project\u2019s potential impact, stating, \u201cThe outcomes could pave the way for more widespread use of drones in agriculture. This would offer a new approach to livestock management that saves time, reduces labor and potentially improves animal welfare.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Broader Impact on Agriculture<\/h3>\n

The BAE program at the University of Kentucky is a partnership between the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering<\/a>. This research project aligns with the university\u2019s broader mission to serve the Commonwealth through innovation in education and research.<\/p>\n

The project is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, part of the USDA, under award number 2024-69014-42393. As a land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky continues to focus on advancing agriculture and supporting the next generation of leaders in the industry.<\/p>\n

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