Project

Contact: Dr. rer. nat. Jan Langbein

Duration: 2025-2029

Funding: EFRE (State Funding Institute M-V)

Abstract:

The research project AutoPasture - Digital Applications for Autonomous Herd and Pasture Management of Cattle aims to develop sustainable, animal-friendly solutions for cattle farming by automating pasture management and thus reducing the need for personnel. It includes the real-labs dairy cattle farming, production-oriented suckler cows farming and water buffalo farming. The pastures will be equipped with stationary and mobile measuring technology to record the spatial and temporal behaviour of the cattle and the condition of the grassland. In addition to data receiving stations, the stationary sensors include cameras, radar, LIDAR and acoustic sensors, etc., as well as sensors for recording the condition of the grassland, such as cameras, soil and weather stations. The mobile sensors include GPS tracking collars, 3D-accelerometers, RFID ear tags and Bluetooth-based distance meters on the cattle. In addition, sensors are installed on smart waterers, mobile robots and drones. External data sources such as satellite data and weather models support the analysis of the pastures.

The collected data is transferred to and processed in a data lake. This enables the control of actuators and machines, such as opening gates or regulating water troughs, but also the sending of messages. Initially, the data will be used to create a digital twin of the pastures, which can be used to digitally model the behaviour and vital signs of the cattle as well as plant growth. At the same time, the scenarios for automatic control will also be tested at the pastures themselves. The project also investigates how grazing affects different vegetation communities and whether certain areas can be strategically grazed (virtual fencing), e.g. to prevent the spread of noxious plants. Further research questions concern the promotion of biodiversity, the effects of technology on animal welfare, and the limits and possibilities of automating pasture management. Overall, AutoPasture will make farming more sustainable and profitable by using modern technology and artificial intelligence to ensure animal-friendly and efficient grazing.