TST Project Equipment
Matthew Blyth from Blyth Livestock Advisor Services worked with us on this project to ensure that the weighing and EID technology that was already present on the farm was functioning effectively together to implement the TST project and to iron out any technical issues that arose. The equipment list included:
- Tru-Test XR5000
- Gallagher load cell
- Shearwell SDL150 Duo panel Reader
- Shearwell X6 stock reader
- Running Shearwell Classic Farm Works
Figure 1. Set up at Tanygraig
With this system, a targeted weight file was generated by Matt Blyth a few days before the lambs were in for weighing which used weather data and feed availability to calculate a targeted weight for each lamb. This was uploaded onto the Tru-Test XR5000 before weighing.
During the weighing process, the screen instantly displayed each lamb's performance against its target weight, indicating whether it was meeting its Daily Live Weight Gain (DLWG) goals and if treatment was required. The system was integrated with a Te Pari auto-calibrating dosing gun that automatically adjusted the dose based on the lamb's weight, ensuring accurate treatment for those identified as needing it. All individual treatment records were then logged on both the Shearwell Farm Works software and the Tru-Test weigh head.
The full details of the TST methodology, along with guidance on equipment use and selection are available here.
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