Can AI imaging technology be used for monitoring specific behaviours in broiler flocks

Demmers, Theodorus

Abstract

Commercial poultry production, e.g. optimum bird growth, requires an optimally controlled environment, which is currently based upon temperature, humidity, CO2 and air pressure, whilst water and feed consumption are also measured.
PLF systems exist to monitor (reduced) movement or change of positioning of the broilers in the house, However, other parameters related to animal welfare and health such as feeding, drinking and movement behaviour are still largely dependent on visual observations by the stockman 2-3 times a day when the flock is checked. This not only relies on the quality of the observations by the stockman, but also doesn't guarantee fast, effective management of the flock.
Automated 24/7 visual monitoring of broiler flocks using Artificial Intelligence (AI) imaging technology to classify specific behaviours in real time might provide unbiased information relating to health and welfare of the flock. Small changes in behavioural observations might lead to early detection of disease and optimized climate control.
A current feasability project has started to test which behaviours can be identified using AI technology and how these quantified behaviours could be used to optimize health and welfare of the flock being monitored.

Citation

Demmers, T. (2022). Can AI imaging technology be used for monitoring specific behaviours in broiler flocks.

• Conference Name: 10th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming (ECPLF22)
• Conference Location: University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna
• Start Date: Aug 29, 2022
• End Date: Sep 2, 2022
• Acceptance Date: Jul 6, 2022
• Publication Date: Aug 29, 2022
• Deposit Date: Nov 11, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 30, 2022
• Pages: 128 - 133
• ISBN: 978-83-965360-0-6