For prediction and control of process variables
Precision livestock farming by integration of measured bioresponses together with a predictive process model
Automatic monitoring and controlling techniques are becoming more and more important to support the farmer in managing the production process.
Biological processes involving living organisms have traditionally been considered as too complex to be monitored and controlled in an automatic way. But today, new emerging technologies offer possibilities to develop fully automatic on-line monitoring and control of many of these processes
This figure shows schematically a system for monitoring and controlling the bio-response of a bio-process, using an on-line data based modelling technique and real-time information measured on selected inputs and outputs of the bio-process and its environment (Aerts et al., 2003).
Three different steps to realize automatic monitors and controllers :
1- on-line monitoring
2- prediction of process variables
3- control of process variables
These two last steps allow developing decision making tools useful for the farmer and the animal food chain.
