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How
it works
DataMuster's Automated Livestock Management Systems (ALMS) are comprised of walk-over-weigh scales, paddock-based auto-drafters and our DataHubs. These micro-computers capture and analyse animal data and transmit it to your web-based DataMuster software account. From your desktop you can interrogate individual or group performance, and direct the auto-drafter to segregate animals for sale or health treatment.
1
WALK-OVER WEIGHING
On their way to the water trough cattle must pass over walk-over-weigh scales linked to an RFID reader. This collects daily cattle weights. Our paddock-based DataHubs link this information to your software account where you can access daily weight gain insights, and instruct the paddock-based autodrafter to segregate animals for sale.
2
PROPERTY MAPPING
Monitor the performance of your paddocks and your different mobs through a simple property map. The DataMuster system links to third party providers to make property mapping as easy as possible. The system uses paddock boundaries and allocates individual animals to paddocks based on RFID scans as they pass walk-over-weigh units.
3
HERD BENCHMARKING
Set performance targets for your different animal groups, such as turn-off weights and dates, and track whether you're on target to meet these business goals.
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​Though walk-over-weigh systems and RFID tags, DataMuster can accurately determine date of calving for individual animals and measure days to calving - a vital indicator of individual reproductive performance. And by recording when cows and calves come to water, DataMuster can accurately determine cow-calf pairs for mothering-up records.
4
MUSTER AND SELL
From the DataMuster dashboard you can interrogate the weights and daily growth rates of animal groups or individual animals.
Simply select the tag numbers of animals that are ready to sell or need health treatments, and direct the paddock-based autodrafter to draft left or draft right into a holding pen.
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No more mustering - all you have to do is order the truck and book them in for sale!
Reduced labour costs, improved herd productivity
Analyses by CQUniversity, Meat & Livestock Australia and CSIRO, have identified that users can achieve:
2.5%
price premiums through increased optimisation of cattle weights to fit with market specifications
5%
increase in average sale weights due to improved timeliness of sale to negate weight loss at muster
EARLY
identification of
non-performing animals requiring health treatment or replacement
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We started Datamuster two years ago with the idea of reducing the stress on maiden heifers at calving while still getting good birth data; probably the hardest ask.
Datamuster has meant we can catch calves every third or fourth day and still get accurate birthdate data. Fewer animals are stressed during the first hours after birth and if we work it right, none.
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There was excellent support when we started with ideas, suggestions, and physical help, also the maintenance of the electronics is not just left to us. All in all, this has been a good experience and should improve as more is learned and applied.
Swin & Kathy Hudson // Tremere Pastoral
Three simple steps to get you started.
