Researchers from the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are contributing to a multi-institutional project developing Self-learning Dairy (SLDairy), an AI-powered precision feeding system. Designed to optimize rations for individual dairy cows, SLDairy integrates with existing automatic milking systems to adjust feed delivery in real time based on each cow’s specific nutritional needs.
The system uses cloud-based modeling and data from robotic milking stations, herd management software, and feeding systems to fine-tune pellet distribution, improving efficiency and sustainability. By tailoring nutrition, dairies can reduce feed waste, enhance milk production, and minimize environmental impact by cutting excess nitrogen in waste.
Funded by a four-year, $1.15 million USDA grant, the project is led by Virginia Tech with contributions from multiple universities, including Idaho, Nebraska, Colorado State, Tennessee, and Emory. Small-scale trials in Tennessee have already shown significant cost savings, with further commercial testing scheduled for 2025 and 2026.
University of Idaho dairy specialist Izabelle Teixeira is leading the nutritional modeling efforts, while economist Hernan Tejeda is analyzing the financial benefits of the system. Teixeira will also oversee outreach efforts, providing dairy producers with guidance on implementing the SLDairy system to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support environmental sustainability.
