5 poultry innovations ready to change the industry in 2021

COVID-19 posed numerous challenges for the poultry industry, from worker shortages to interruptions throughout the supply chain. New technologies can help the industry solve these issues and look forward to future opportunities to thrive and succeed.

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blackboard | Bigstock.com
blackboard | Bigstock.com

2020 was a tumultuous year. COVID-19 posed numerous challenges for the poultry industry, from worker shortages to interruptions throughout the supply chain. New technologies can help the industry solve these issues and look forward to future opportunities to thrive and succeed.

Here’s five technologies to watch going forward:

Remote sensing

Sensors can help streamline the data collection process for both birds and workers, resulting in precision poultry production. For example, in poultry, sensors can be used to help estimate weight and measure crop uniformity. They can also help solve labor issues and improve worker retention and food safety when used as a wearable sensor for employees.

Automation

Automation can be used to replace manual labor on poultry farms when it comes to repetitive tasks like checking bird welfare, removing welfare, vaccinations and managing litter. In processing plants, there are robots that can cut meat from the bones, which could help space out workers at risk of COVID-19.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that could help poultry produces improve efficiency and address welfare and health challenges. This technology has many possible applications for poultry operations. Examples include machine learning, camera vision and acoustic monitoring to improve bird welfare and share data with veterinarians.

Blockchain technology

Modern consumers want to know how their food is raised, fed and produced. Blockchain helps track and trace food products throughout the supply chain, from food to fork. The simplest way to explain blockchain is to think of a series of linked data that is securely linked to one another. Once data has been saved to the blockchain, it cannot be altered without changing all the other records within the set.

Microbiome and life science

Advancements in genetics, microbiology, poultry health management, nutrition and more help improve flock management to raise healthier birds. In human medicine, the microbiome has been linked to everything from intestinal health to obesity and mental disorders. Scientists are now applying these findings to poultry, developing probiotics to help control parasitic diseases and other ailments.

To learn more about the future technology trends of the poultry industry, make plans to attend the 2020 Virtual Poultry Tech Summit, scheduled for October 20-22, 2020. This one-of-a-kind online event facilitates the transition of innovation technologies from researchers and entrepreneurs into commercial applications for the benefit of the poultry industry. Registration is now open.

View our continuing coverage of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

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