Design and Experiment of a Rapid Cattle Weighing System Based on Internet of Things Technology

In order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of weighing, a rapid weighing system for cattle based on Internet of Things technology is designed in response to the massive, repetitive, and essential weighing of cattle in the process of large-scale beef cattle breeding. Faced with the increasing cost of labor, this paper proposes a rapid weighing system for cattle based on Internet of Things technology. This article designs a rapid cattle weighing system based on Internet of Things technology. The system consists of a guidance channel, weighing device, PLC control system, identity recognition system, data communication module, touch screen, livestock weighing management software, etc., which can achieve the goal of quickly obtaining and processing cow weight data. The system utilizes wireless radio frequency identification technology to obtain individual information of cattle; Using infrared photoelectric switches to obtain cattle position information; Utilizing weighing sensor technology to obtain cow weight data, and utilizing network and communication technologies to achieve information and data exchange; Using livestock weighing management software, complete data processing and send relevant instructions to the PLC control system to control the actions of executing components. After cattle weighing experiments and validation analysis, the relative error of the obtained cattle weight data can be controlled below ± 2 % within a weighing time of 6–8 s/head, which can meet the accuracy requirements of cattle weight data in the breeding process of the farm. Compared with traditional static weighing methods, this system can reduce weighing time and save labor. The preliminary test results indicate that the system operates stably, with small deviation in multiple measurement results, and good stability. The results of the daily weight gain test for cattle are consistent with those obtained by traditional static weighing methods, and can quickly, accurately, and automatically collect cattle weight data. It can be used as one of the methods for weighing cattle in large-scale beef cattle farms and has great practicality.