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Using Thermal Camera Drones in Beef Cattle Roundup in the Intermountain West

Animal Science

Justin Clawson
Assistant Professor
Utah State University
Logan

Abstract

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), also known as drones, are being implemented in multiple areas of agriculture. In the Intermountain West, livestock are typically summered in mountain ranges nearby and are collected in the autumn to gain access to lower pastures during the harsh winter months and ease of closer monitoring during calving. Grazing during the summer in the high range reduces grasses and fire hazards and allows the low land to produce feed for cattle during the winter. The use of mountain ranges and pastures comes with its own set of challenges. Cows like to explore their environment, and they can get lost in the process, coupled with the harsh landscape), it becomes more difficult to find and gather. Integrating drones to aid in cattle recovery is an effective way to overcome some of these cattle-specific challenges. Cattle can be quickly located by employing a drone that easily moves across the mountainside or within ravines with the use of a thermal camera. This allows the livestock producer to conveniently, identify areas to focus the use of horseback riders to gather cattle. Using drones not only saves time and money but also reduces the risk of injury to the horse and rider in the rough terrain of western mountain ranges. Two drone teams joined Utah producers for autumn cattle collection in Bloomington Lake Idaho and Huntington Canyon Price Utah in October and December of 2024. The combined efforts of drones and horses to collect cattle were successful and technology limitations were identified. A 2-acre area was searched by drone in 10 minutes and 60 minutes by horse. Fly time due to battery life was the most limited factor for the drone. The time of day and ambient temperature also affected the ability to identify livestock. Temperatures above 90° Fahrenheit made it difficult identify cattle from rocks. The use of Civil Air Patrol search and rescue methods to increase search success. Using drones reduces the workload of the rider and horse, saving time and energy and reducing the risk of injury.

Authors: Justin Clawson, Eric Galloway, Shalyn Drake, Shawn Barstow, Ross Isreaelsen, Michael Pate
  1. Justin Clawson Assistant Professor, Utah State University, Utah, 84321
  2. Eric Galloway Project Coordinator, Utah State University, Utah, 84322
  3. Shalyn Drake Lecturer, Utah State University, Utah, 84501
  4. Shawn Barstow Assistant Professor, Utah State University, Utah, 84501
  5. Ross Isreaelsen Farm Foreman Beef Unit, Utah University, Utah, 84322
  6. Michael Pate Professor, Utah State University, Utah, 84322