all livestock species, “but we suspect that there will be slight differences because the animals themselves are different. That is also another reason why we want to partner with re- searchers to make sure that we have the right amount of sen- sors available in the trailer. We suspect that larger animals may require more sensors because we will need them to cre- ate a ‘mesh network’ to transfer the data properly.” Sotomayor says he and his team will wait for more data and then finalise their sensor design. Research using the system is also being done to track temperature and humidity in barns and in pastures and on the effect of heat in beef cattle.
Conducting rigorous field tests Earlier this year, Luckhart Transport in Sebringville, ON, Cana- da, approached TG to trial the technology (the firm transports all types of livestock), which has been welcomed by TG in or- der to conduct rigorous field tests. Luckhart co-owner and vice president Angie Luckhart had read a news story on TG and immediately contacted the firm. “We are interested in doing the trial because we are extreme- ly passionate about humane animal transport,” she explains. “We have numerous trailers in our fleet that offer humane transportation features, such as fans for forced ventilation, water misters to keep animals cool and water drinkers. So naturally, this is just another piece to the puzzle, another way we can be confident that the animals are comfortable in transit.”
Ms Luckhart says they have been interested in adding tem- perature sensors to their trailers for a few years now, but we weren’t able to find anything that suited their needs. “Real time communication is the key and what has made us so in- terested in TG,” she says. “It will also help us gather data on how our humane trailers are working. When the temperature rises in the trailer, we will be able to have data showing how quickly the fans and misters change the temperature within the compartments.” It’s also imperative for biosecurity reasons, Luckhart notes, that livestock trailers are properly sanitised. “The TG sensors will also ensure that all areas of the trailer are heated to the proper levels to kill any pathogens,” she explains. “Transport Genie is a multi-purpose system as far as I am concerned.”
Extensive use Looking ahead, Mark Beaven, of the Canadian Animal Health Coalition, predicts that use of TG will be extensive. “I see the vast majority of transporters taking advantage of the technol- ogy in short order,” he says. “Proof of this is in the fact that the few transporters that I have spoken to about it are all excited and supportive of the technology.” He believes the develop- ment of technology like TG demonstrates that the agricultural industry is concerned with the welfare of livestock and poul- try and that the industry continues to innovate on that front. “It’s also satisfying,” he says, “to see that Canada is leading the world in this regard.”
▶ DAIRY GLOBAL | Volume 5, No. 4, 2018 15
An innovative sensor that ena- bles livestock transport man- agers and driv- ers to make better decisions in relation to trailer environ- mental condi- tions.
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