Profeed, a Ukrainian agritech startup, is making waves in the livestock industry with its innovative IT system that automates and optimizes feeding processes for cows, pigs, and chickens. The company, founded in 2017 by Serhii Ryzhkov, has already made a name for itself in the Ukrainian market and is now actively expanding its reach globally. This ambition was evident in Profeed’s recent participation in CES 2025 in Las Vegas, where they showcased their solutions alongside 18 other Ukrainian companies.
While CES may not be a traditional agricultural technology event, Profeed’s presence there underscored the growing importance of technology in modern farming. The company reported significant interest from international livestock farmers and industry representatives, highlighting the global potential of their solutions.
Ryzhkov, with his extensive experience in the agricultural sector, recognized the need for better management and automation in livestock feeding. He saw that feed costs represent a significant portion of expenses for farms, and existing solutions were either too expensive, inconvenient, or inaccessible. Driven by a desire to create something truly useful for farmers, Ryzhkov and his team developed their first system, focusing initially on dairy cows.
Early success and positive feedback from farmers fueled Profeed’s growth. In 2019, the company secured investment from AVA Group, a leading Ukrainian feed producer, expanding its expertise to include pigs and poultry.
Three Modules for Comprehensive Feed Management
Profeed’s system consists of three core modules:
- PROFEED Mix: Automates feed management for cattle, ensuring precise mixing and distribution of rations.
- PROFEED Plant: Automates feed mill operations for poultry, pig, and cattle farms.
- PROFEED Silo: Monitors feed delivery and consumption from non-storage silos for poultry and pigs.
At the heart of the system is a weighing sensor that integrates with any feed mixing equipment. This sensor transmits real-time data on feed weight, mixing speed, and other parameters to a smartphone app, empowering farmers and specialists to plan and monitor feeding with ease.
“It’s like a mini-restaurant for animals,” says Ryzhkov, highlighting the system’s ability to create precise feed formulations for different animal groups and optimize rations based on their needs.
AI and the Future of Livestock Farming
Profeed is actively integrating artificial intelligence into its solutions. The company plans to utilize AI-powered chatbots for customer support and is developing predictive analytics modules to provide farmers with insights into future trends and potential challenges.
One of the most exciting developments is the creation of unique “boluses” – ingestible sensors for cows that monitor pH levels and temperature in the stomach. These sensors provide valuable data on animal health, activity, and reproductive cycles.
“We plan to introduce analytical modules based on artificial intelligence with process forecasts. This means we will have enough data to provide farmers not just with a control system, but also with a forecasting system,” explains Ryzhkov.
Global Expansion and Ambitious Goals
Profeed has experienced significant growth in recent years, expanding its reach beyond Ukraine to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Moldova, and now, the European Union and the United States. The company is actively pursuing partnerships and participating in accelerator programs to gain a foothold in these key markets.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Profeed remains committed to innovation and expansion. The company is constantly upgrading its solutions, adding new features, and adapting to the evolving needs of its customers.
With its focus on automation, data analysis, and animal welfare, Profeed is poised to become a leading player in the global agritech landscape.
Source: DEV.ua
