MealMaster

The Griffith Elder Meal Master is an integrated system for precise monitoring and control of the complete diet intake of cattle.

Each feed station contains the following main components:

A Feed Bin mounted on Loadcells
A Tombstone barrier
A Cow Access Gate
An automatic Identification System
A Local Display

The feed stations are all linked up to a central computer. Up to 256 feeders can easily be operated from the one computer, without slowing the system down. Cow entry to a feed bin is always instantaneous.

The feed bins are mounted on precision loadcells which detect the weight of feed in the bin. The weighing system is factory calibrated and is accurate to 0.1 kg. Weight of the bin is taken at the start of each meal before the cow enters and again at the end of the meal.

A meal is defined as one visit to the bin, independent of the length of time that the cow stays and enjoys its feed. Each meal is logged in a database along with all other events that occur within the system. Sorting and categorising the data is all handled by another programme called DataBase Browser which allows the user almost infinite choice in searching and reporting from the data. This very powerful tool turns highly sophisticated analysis into a simple operation. Any of the data can be copied into a spread sheet, to a separate file or direct to a printer as a report.

The bins are constructed of GRP fibreglass for cleanliness and cleaning out is made easy just by tipping the bin over on its own swivel. The bins have high sides and are designed to eliminate spillage from the cattle while they are eating.

The MealMaster programme is password protected to stop unauthorised changing of the setup parameters. Cows can be allocated to different groups and feeding regimes; bins may have different feeds in them; more than one experiment may run concurrently, and start / stop times can be varied according to the type of data being collected. Other features include an automatic listing in real time of all the events that are taking place and a separate listing of any errors that have occurred.

The MealMaster programme is written to run under Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, it is capable of being run over a TCP/IP network, with separate workstations all having access to the programme and data.