The Feeder can be set up and edited on both the mobile and web apps, and it is visible on the Farm map in both platforms.

Refill, stocktake and consumption rate are new records that can be created to ensure feed consumed is accurately measured and realistic calculations for feed drawdown are tracked against inventory levels and applied to ensure livestock are not without planned feed and weight goals are not compromised.

From the Farm map select the Add button and choose Landmarks.

From the list of Landmarks presented choose the Feeder.

Then, click on the pasture that the Feeder will be placed in. This will open the New feeder form.

Completing the following fields are mandatory before the feeder can be set up in the paddock:

Choose the Feeder type

Select one of the three available options. Based on the option selected, the icon that appears on the Farm Map to represent this feeder will differ. There is no customisation of the form or background calculations based on this selection. The selection will be visible in reporting. By editing Feeder details, the Feeder type can be changed at any time.

Feeder length and Number of sides (optional)

This field is beneficial where the Feeder type selected is Feed trough, it can be ignored for other Feeder types. By identifying the length of the Feed trough and if it is possible to feed from both sides or only one side, the total available feed length can be calculated.

Setup feed & animals (optional)

The Feeder can be saved without adding feed and animals. In that case, the Feeder will appear on the Farm Map without calculating feed consumed and associating consumption with livestock.

When this section is expanded the following additional fields appear:

Feeding Animals

When only certain animals in the paddock will be able to consume feed from the Feeder (e.g. when the trough is too high for smaller animals or where a creep gate is used on a Self feeder) the Set specific age class option should be chosen.

When Set specific age class is selected a list of age classes will be displayed. Only livestock in the paddock where the Feeder is located, that are of the selected age classes will be considered in consumption calculations.

Consumption tracking

The Consumption tracking selection made here will drive the calculation of consumption when combined with the number of qualifying animals feeding in the paddock in which the Feeder is placed.

After completing and saving the Add Feeder form, the feeder will appear on the Farm Map, with an icon matching the selected feeder type.

By clicking on the Feeder icon on the Farm map the summary card for that Feeder is opened.

By selecting the More actions button on the Feeder Summary card the following records related to the Feeder can be added:

Record a refill:

This record is used when adding feed to the Feeder. When adding feed using this record, the amount added is deducted from Feed inventory and counted toward consumption by livestock in that paddock.

The Use multi-day feed calculator option of the form advises the user the volume of feed to add to maintain the target consumption rate for the animals feeding based on the time until the next refill.

Adjust consumption rate:

This record allows the user to adjust the consumption rate that will be used in calculations to estimate feed consumption and feed levels in the Feeder.

Record a stocktake:

This record allows the measured or observed level of feed in the Feeder to be recorded. If this level differs from the expected amount, feed level adjustments will be made to actual consumption calculations.

Edit feeder:

This record allows changes to Feeder details (e.g. Feeder type, capacity and dimensions, appearance on the Farm Map) and to change rules around what animals can be fed and are considered in the consumption calculations.