Dynamic weighing of dairy cows: using a lumped-parameter model of cow walk

The paper deals with the dynamic weighing of dairy cows. A simple physical-mathematical model that simulates cow walk is described. The four-legged system of cow movement is simplified as a two legged system. The output of the model, which is the force to the ground produced by a cow's feet, depends on walking speed and body weight. The developed model was used for body weight determination as cows crossed a walk-through weighing scale. An accuracy of 2% compared to statically measured body weight could be achieved in the absence of crowding of animals traversing the platform. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.