Concept: Telemetry and keep-full — livestock-specific operational considerations
On livestock operations, set the auto-deliver trigger above 30% rather than the residential 20–25% default, so deliveries can be scheduled around milk pickup days and biosecurity restrictions. On a multi-tank manifolded system, monitor the main feed line, not just one tank.
Companion to (unpublished reference) and (unpublished reference). Captures the livestock-specific operational considerations that residential-flavoured documentation doesn't cover.
Telemetry vendors active in Ontario
Otodata, Wesroc, Tank Utility, ATG, and newer LoRaWAN / cellular options. Multiple vendors interoperate with most dispatch software.
For the brand-agnostic vendor list and cellular/LoRaWAN distinctions, see (unpublished reference).
Multi-tank manifolded systems
Monitor the main feed line, not just one tank. A four-tank manifolded poultry installation will draw asymmetrically across the bank as tanks vapourize at different rates. Single-tank monitoring miscounts the total system inventory.
Trigger setting for parlour applications
Set the auto-deliver trigger above 30%, rather than the residential 20–25% default. The higher trigger allows scheduling around:
- Milk pickup days — the truck and the propane truck on the same yard creates biosecurity and traffic conflicts that a margin of buffer lets dispatch sequence.
- PED biosecurity zones — hog operations under PED protocols restrict yard access during outbreaks. A higher trigger gives dispatch room to schedule outside lockdown windows.
Delivery scheduling integration
Livestock delivery scheduling integrates with the operation's existing rhythm:
- Milk pickup days (dairy)
- Feed delivery (all)
- Dead-stock removal (poultry, hog)
- Broiler placement and load-out days (poultry)
A propane delivery the morning of broiler load-out creates traffic conflict that a delivery 24 hours either side does not.
Sunday and holiday emergency rotation
Industry-standard for livestock-focused distributors in SW Ontario. Dairy parlours and brooding broiler barns cannot wait until Monday — the run-out windows in Concept: Run-out tolerance by livestock sector foreclose that option. Distributors who do not maintain Sunday/holiday emergency rotation effectively cannot serve dairy or brooding-week poultry accounts.
K-factor profile
Use livestock-specific K-factor profiles, not residential. Detail in Concept: K-factor for livestock vs. residential — why ambient degree-day is insufficient.
Sources
Telemetry vendor product literature (Otodata, Wesroc, Tank Utility, ATG); SW Ontario dispatch practice; Swine Health Ontario PED biosecurity guidance.
On the Boucher & Jones site: Propane