Transforming Livestock Farming: How ProSense IoT Solutions Revolutionise Feed Distribution

Livestock farming faces a persistent challenge: traditional feed distribution wastes resources, drives up costs, and harms the environment. Farms often lose 8 to 15 per cent of feed annually due to manual feeding methods. This inefficiency not only wastes money but also increases labour demands and carbon emissions. ProSense Industrial 5G IoT gateway offers a new approach. It powers smart feed distribution systems that improve precision, reduce waste, and lower environmental impact. This post explores how Bivocom’s technology reshapes livestock feed management for better productivity and sustainability.

Automated livestock feeding system powered by Bivocom TG453

The Challenges of Traditional Feed Distribution

Manual feed distribution remains common on many farms, but it comes with significant drawbacks:

• High Labour Costs

Large farms require many workers to feed animals daily. For example, a 10,000-head pig farm in Europe employs eight workers who spend six hours each day on feeding tasks. Labour expenses can consume up to 30 percent of total farm costs.

• Feed Waste and Inaccuracy

Estimating feed portions by hand leads to overfeeding or underfeeding. Overfeeding wastes feed and increases methane emissions from animals. Underfeeding slows growth and reduces productivity. Farms typically lose between 8 and 15 percent of feed annually, costing thousands of dollars.

• Lack of Real-Time Data

Without continuous monitoring, farmers cannot adjust feed formulas based on animal needs or environmental conditions. This gap causes methane emissions from cows to rise by 10 to 15 percent and increases ammonia pollution from pig manure.

These issues create a cycle of inefficiency, higher costs, and environmental harm that limits farm growth and sustainability.

How ProSense Improves Feed Distribution

ProSense gateway is designed for industrial environments and supports 5G connectivity, GNSS, and LoRa communication. It acts as the backbone of smart feed distribution systems by enabling:

• Precise Monitoring

Sensors connected through the TG453 collect real-time data on feed levels, animal behavior, and environmental conditions. This data helps farmers understand exactly how much feed each animal needs.

• Automated Feeding Decisions

The system uses data to automate feed distribution, adjusting portions based on animal size, health, and growth stage. This reduces waste and ensures animals receive the right nutrition.

• Reliable Data Transmission

The TG453 supports fast and stable data flow between sensors and farm management platforms. This connectivity allows farmers to make informed decisions quickly and remotely.

By integrating sensing, application, and transmission layers, Bivocom’s solution creates a smart ecosystem that supports efficient, sustainable livestock farming.

Real-World Impact: Case Study Insights

Consider the example of a large pig farm in Europe that adopted the smart feed distribution system. Before implementation, the farm faced:

• High labour costs with eight workers feeding pigs manually

• 12 percent feed waste due to imprecise portioning

• Rising methane and ammonia emissionsare affecting compliance with environmental regulations

  
  

After installing the TG453-powered system, the farm reported:

• A 40 percent reduction in labor hours spent on feeding

• Feed waste dropped to under 5 percent

• Improved animal growth rates due to optimised nutrition

• Lower methane emissions by 12 percent and reduced ammonia pollution

  
  

This case shows how technology can cut costs, improve animal health, and reduce environmental impact simultaneously.

IoT gateway installed in livestock barn for smart feed management

Steps to Implement Smart Feed Distribution

Farmers interested in upgrading their feed systems can follow these steps:

1. Assess Current Feeding Practices

Identify inefficiencies, labor costs, and feed waste levels.

1. Install IoT Sensors and TG453 Gateways

Deploy sensors to monitor feed bins, animal activity, and environmental factors. Connect them through Bivocom’s TG453 gateways for reliable data transmission.

1. Integrate with Farm Management Software

Use software platforms that receive sensor data and automate feeding schedules.

1. Train Staff on System Use

Ensure workers understand how to operate and maintain the smart feeding system.

1. Monitor and Adjust

Regularly review data to fine-tune feed formulas and system settings for optimal results.

Benefits Beyond Feed Efficiency

Smart feed distribution powered by IoT technology offers additional advantages:

• Lower Carbon Footprint

Reducing feed waste and optimising nutrition cuts methane and ammonia emissions, helping farms meet environmental standards.

• Improved Animal Welfare

Precise feeding supports healthier growth and reduces stress caused by inconsistent feeding.

• Cost Savings

Lower labor and feed costs improve farm profitability.

• Data-Driven Decisions

Access to real-time data helps farmers respond quickly to changing conditions and improve overall farm management.

Moving Toward Sustainable Livestock Farming

The livestock industry must balance productivity with environmental responsibility. ProSense gateway and smart feed distribution system provide a practical solution to this challenge. By reducing waste, cutting labor demands, and lowering emissions, farms can operate more sustainably without sacrificing growth.

Farmers ready to modernise their operations should consider how IoT technology can transform feed management. The benefits extend beyond cost savings to healthier animals and a cleaner environment.