How do apps that estimate cattle weight work?
With the advancement of technology in the field, many livestock farmers are finding more practical ways to optimize the management of their herds. One example of this is the use of apps that estimate the weight of cattle from measurements taken with a tape measure, eliminating the need to take the animal to the chute for each check-up.
These apps they estimate Weight is determined by barimetry (chest circumference and length measured with a tape measure) and, in paid versions, by computer vision from a photo. It is an estimate with a margin of error and It does not replace a calibrated scale. not for sale nor for administering medication.
Advantages of Applications
Savings on equipment
By using an application to weigh cattle, the farmer eliminates the need to invest in physical scales, metal structures and constant equipment maintenance, reducing considerable operating costs.
Agility in handling
With just a few clicks on your cell phone, you can weigh several animals in sequence, without the need for transportation or restraint. This makes the process much faster and less stressful for the herd.
Ease of use
The apps are designed to be intuitive and accessible. Simply follow the on-screen instructions and capture an image or video of your pet to get an estimated weight in seconds.
Integration with rural management
In addition to weighing, many apps offer extra features such as animal registration, weighing date, daily weight gain calculation, reports and integration with other farm management systems.
What technology improves — and what it doesn't.
Barymetry formulas and image-based models are improving, but they all operate with a margin of error. Use the estimate to decide on management practices, not to close a deal.
Mobility and practicality
You can weigh animals anywhere on the farm, with or without internet, depending on the app. This brings freedom and convenience to your day-to-day farm life.
Detailed reports
The data collected by the apps generates personalized graphs and reports that help monitor the evolution of the herd and plan actions based on real information.
Frequently Asked Questions
The app uses the phone's camera to capture images or videos of the animal. From these images, artificial intelligence algorithms calculate body measurements and estimate weight based on pre-trained models.
This is an estimate, not a weighing. It is useful for management decisions and growth monitoring; for sales and medication dosage, use a calibrated scale.
It depends on the app. Some work completely offline, while others require a connection to process cloud data. Always check the app requirements on the Play Store.
Most apps cover the common breeds in Brazil, but the error rate varies depending on the type of animal and body condition score. Some tools allow for customization or adaptation according to the herd.
You can find cattle weighing apps directly on the Play Store by searching for “weigh cattle with cell phone” or “cattle scale app”. Read the reviews and ratings to choose the most suitable one.
