Improving the efficiency of feed use in the cattle industry

3-C Cattle Feeder, in collaboration with the New Product Development Center [NPDC] at OSU will develop enhanced prototypes to be tested in the field. The doors to the feeder will be controlled by an RFID reader which actuates a motor allowing the feeder doors to open. For safety, the doors are fail-safed using an infrared safety switch to prevent the doors from closing on a cow or calf, while their heads are still in the feeder. These tests will be conducted both at OSU and at several ranch sites in Southern Oklhaoma. Statistical data will be gathered using the new enhanced feeders and non-controlled feeders. These data will be analyzed to determine stistical significance between the enhanced feeders and the control. Part of the Marketing Plan for 3-C Cattle Feeder will build the basic feeder containers and purchase necessary equipment off-the-shelf. This will ultimately make the feeders more economically priced cattle feeders. The last phase of this project will be to begin implementing the marketing/commercialization plan.