Measure Individual Animal Feed Intake
SmartFeed uses RFID technology to record daily individual animal feed intake, accurately measuring how much each animal consumes. This data forms the foundation of the feed efficiency equation, helping producers identify which animals convert feed into gains most efficiently.
Identify Top Performers
Track individual feed intake and performance, allowing you to pinpoint top performers and make smarter genetic selection decisions that improve feed efficiency, productivity, and overall herd profitability.
Daily DMI Tracking
Gain complete visibility into daily dry matter intake. SmartFeed records individual feed consumption, helping producers fine-tune rations, monitor performance, and uncover valuable insights into individual animal feed efficiency.
Individual Animal Feed Intake
Track feed intake for every animal in your herd. SmartFeed reveals when and how much each animal consumes, giving producers valuable insights into feeding behavior and individual performance.
Simple Feed Delivery
Feeding made simple. Load your desired ration into the SmartFeed bin, and the system automatically tracks feed delivery and individual animal consumption using integrated load cell technology.
The Problem
Feed represents 70–75% of total cattle production costs. Feed efficiency cannot be improved without measuring individual animal intake.
Traditional feeding systems measure herd consumption, but they cannot identify variation between animals.
SmartFeed provides automated measurement of individual feed intake in group-fed cattle.
The Solution
SmartFeed provides automated measurement of individual animal feed intake in group-fed cattle, allowing researchers and producers to quantify feeding behavior and intake variation across animals.
Using RFID identification and high-precision load cells, SmartFeed records each feeder visit and measures the amount of feed consumed during that interaction. These measurements are automatically processed into daily intake records for each animal.
By capturing detailed feeding data without separating animals or manually recording feed consumption, SmartFeed makes it possible to evaluate feed efficiency, monitor supplement intake, and study animal feeding behavior under real production conditions.
How SmartFeed Works
- User loads feed into SmartFeed bunk
- Animal approaches and RFID tag is identified
- The animal begins eating and data recording starts
- Animal stops eating, data recording is stopped
- Feeding data is transmitted to C-Lock
- Data is reviewed and processed by C-Lock Data Team
- Intake data is delivered to C-Lock customer
Data Delivered
SmartFeed records every feeding interaction and converts these measurements into structured datasets delivered to users. Final data gives simple, clear insights into the following individual animal statistics
- Daily feed intake per animal
- Feeder visit frequency
- Feeding duration
- Intake amount
- Feeding behavior patterns
- Summarized intake statistics
From on-farm production decisions to controlled research trials, this data powers feed efficiency analysis, nutritional studies, ration exploration, and genetic evaluation. SmartFeed gives both producers and researchers the individual intake records they need. Whether you're optimizing a finishing program, validating a new additive, or building an efficiency EPD.
Applications
Feed Efficiency Research
Measure individual intake required to calculate feed efficiency traits such as residual feed intake.
Supplement Intake Monitoring
Track supplement consumption in grazing cattle and evaluate supplementation strategies.
Genetic Evaluation
Identify animals that convert feed more efficiently to support breeding programs.
Precision Nutrition Studies
Evaluate diet formulation, feeding behavior, and intake variation between animals.
Increase Profitability with SmartFeed
Economic Value
Feed efficiency is the most important driver of profitability in cattle production. Research shows that efficient animals can consume up to 20% less feed while delivering the same gain performance, a difference that adds up fast when feed costs are your largest expense.
Identifying your most efficient animals gives you the power to make smarter culling, selection, and management decisions that pay off season after season. SmartFeed provides the individual intake data you need to find those differences across your herd.
Wondering what that could mean for your bottom line? Use our SmartFeed Savings Calculator to plug in your own numbers and see the potential savings for your operation. The data pays for itself.
Savings Calculator
Input the figures that best represent your operation size and costs to calculate your potential feed efficiency savings with SmartFeed
Features
Plug & Play Design
SmartFeed is portable and wirelessly networked, with an exceptionally easy setup—just plug in the power source and it’s ready to use.
Feed Deflector
Directs feed into bins to prevent spillage and reduce waste between bunks.
Kick Plate
A protective kick plate shields SmartFeed load cells and weight systems from mud, manure, and debris in cattle pens to maintain accurate operation.
Data Management/Connectivity
All raw and processed data is accessible in a secure archive with a simple online interface. Data is transmitted wirelessly with WiFi or cellular network.
Cutting-Edge RFID Reader
SmartFeed operates reliably in noisy RFID environments and can be configured with left, right, or dual ear tag scanners.
Minimal Infrastructure Changes
SmartFeed bunks can be used almost anywhere cattle are fed and installed easily into existing fence lines with no extra computers, wiring, or facilities required.
Product Options
Solar Power
For remote applications, a solar power kit can be added to each unit. The kit includes one solar panel, frame, batteries, and a battery control box.
Stainless Steel Bin
Optional stainless steel feeder bin replaces poly bin and offers increased durability and includes a door for removal of excess feed and easy cleaning.
Ear Tags
All of our units read HDX - Half Duplex and FDX - Full Duplex tags. If your animals are not tagged appropriately, you may purchase tags at any time from C-Lock Inc.
Small Animal Bin
Smaller, stainless steel bin option designed specifically for small ruminant animals.
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