FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The Auto Weigher is an automated and remote weighing solution for simplified livestock management.
Automated hassle free weighing.
Weigh more frequently without the extra trips through the chute. Less manual labour for you, less stress for your animals.
Impactful insights for improved performance.
Easily identify low performers with the help of easy-to-understand graphs. Make proactive management decisions sooner, saving you time and money.
Animal data at your fingertips.
Partial weight data is captured and then converted to full body weight. This data is then sent securely to the Cloud. Easily access animal data on your mobile or desktop.
Farm and cattle-tested.
Proven farm-tough and works with animal behaviour. The machine is heavy and stable even for the most stubborn animals.
StrongBó Agritech was founded in Ireland by engineers with a background in farming. Together we have developed a remote weighing system which allows livestock to be weighed in paddocks, rather than having to walk into the yards.
The units are manufactured in Canada.
There has been significant industry research on the high correlation between partial weight and whole body weight of beef cattle. ​
It is more important to understand paddock/pen weights will differ from static/yard weights in a similar manner to when you weigh cattle and send them to the abattoirs or feed lot. Individual results will vary based on a number of factors like:​
- How far the walk to the yards is​
- How hot it is​
- What type of feed they are on, etc.​
For example, you may notice ‘gut fill’ variances in individual animals of up to 10% on the same day. The algorithm smooths out these variances out into a repeatable, consistent number that you can compare to your yard weights and then sale weights.
The average animal visit lasts several minutes. While the machine recognizes other RFID tags during this time, it is easy to pick up a dominant tag that belongs to the animal we are weighing.​
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The logic in the software takes care of this. If there is any uncertainty in which animal the captured weight belongs to, that individual weight will not contribute to the data presented.
No; it will weigh a portion of your mob. Not every animal will be attracted to the salt or molasses.​
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The proportion of the mob you will weigh is dependent on factors including but not limited to:​
mob size ​
grazing area/pen size ​
positioning of the unit​
the length of time the unit is with the mob. ​
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As a guide, however, if allowed a week with a mob we have seen:
​Feedlot pens with less than 150 animals​ | ​90% of mob weighed |
Pasture with smaller mobs (e.g. 80 animals) in smaller areas (~2ha) | ​90% of mob weighed |
​Larger mobs in extensive pasture | Variable, but at a minimum 20% |
Animals’ weights (a portion of your total herd number) will begin to show on the dashboard within several hours of the animals weighing themselves. In some situations, we have seen live weight data come through in under 48 hours.
There is a range of management factors that influence how many animals are weighed such as: the mob size and grazing area/pen size. Typically, you will have the mob average accurate as soon as you weigh 30+ animals*, similar to when you weigh cattle in the yard.
Mob ADG weights are based on a 7-day average and generally take 7+ days before appearing. While we are capturing and recording the individual animal weights as soon as they step on the platform, we need to wait around 7 days for the ADG data to pull through on the dashboard. The longer the machine is with a mob, the more accurate they become.​
Yes. The Auto Weigher has a satellite option that allows it to work anywhere in the world. If you don't need this option, you can get an Auto Weigher that is only cellular-enabled.
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This dual communication mode will give you peace of mind knowing you can weigh your animals even in the most remote location.​
Switching from cellular to satellite (or from satellite to cellular) does not require any action from you. We have automated the process so it will all look seamless from your end!​
The information on the app will update periodically throughout the day. Checking the app once a day should provide you with the data you require. Please note that we are reliant on the animals weighing themselves, so it will likely be around 3 days before the machine has weighed enough animals to provide useful information.
The Auto Weigher is powered using a 12V battery and the integrated solar panel ensures that the battery is always charged and operational, as long as the machine is exposed to sun.
Where it is most accessible and visible to the animals. Think water points, stock camps and other high traffic areas. ​
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Getting the animals used to the machine in smaller areas can speed up the learning phase and will help encourage them to interact with the machine, which means you’ll get live weight data sooner.
The Auto Weigher is designed to work with a mineral block or molasses block. Both have proven to be effective, though which is best for you will depend on your process and mob.
If left in the same place for an extended period of time, some pasture damage will occur, particularly during wet weather. This can be managed either by shifting the machine frequently or by placing close to existing ‘high traffic’ areas such as water troughs and gateways.​
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Consider backing the machine up to a fence so the animals do not continually walk around it. If an extended period of wet weather is forecast, the machine can be moved from the mob and re-introduced later. The data flow will continue from where it left off (i.e. resuming a session).