Application of Sensor-based System for Animal Husbandry Mechanization

Livestock and crop production are interdependence for energy being a distinguishing characteristic of the mixed crop-livestock systems. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has been operating the All India Coordinated Research Project on “Increased Utilization of Animal Energy with Enhanced System Efficiency” with its Coordinating Cell at ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal since July 1, 1987. The scheme has conducted lead research in the area of draughtabilty, harnessing system, work-rest cycles, use of animal in rotary mode, loading car, treadmill and instrument to measure the precise work output of animals under laboratory and field conditions in addition to various animal drawn improved implements/ technologies for different unit farm operations in the country through the cooperating centres located at various parts of the country. Presently name of this AICRP is renamed to AICRP on Mechanization of Animal Husbandry (MAH) with Mandate to mechanize feeding, watering, manure handling, milking etc. operations for dairy and livestock animals for better productivity and reduce cost and drudgery during their management. It also includes improved housing, sanitation and health control measures for better environment for livestock. The four pillars of management for farm animals can be managed properly and even remotely by integrating IoT solutions that assist in farm management, animal health, animal nutrition, and animal tracking. Research and development work of the cooperating centres related to sensor utilization are summarised and presented in the paper for mechanization of animal husbandry sector on the principals of animal husbandry.