Computer deep learning could result in automated, real-time monitoring of pecking and floor eggs in cage-free environments.
“The biggest benefit of the artificial intelligence (AI) or machine vision-based technologies we are developing is providing basis for promoting precision poultry farming,” Lilong Chai, PhD, assistant professor and poultry engineering specialist, University of Georgia, explained.
“Automatic monitoring of pecking can help reduce birds’ damages/cannibalism and farm economic losses, and eventually improve animal welfare management. For floor eggs tracking, the new method will inform farm staff where eggs are laid so they can collect eggs timely to reduce further contamination by litter.”
Chai is one of the many experts scheduled to speak at the Poultry Tech Summit, scheduled for October 30 - November 1 in Atlanta, Georgia. This one-of-a-kind in-person event facilitates the transition of innovation technologies from researchers and entrepreneurs into commercial applications for the benefit of the poultry industry.
Make plans to attend and take a look at the future of the industry.
Registration for the 2022 Poultry Tech Summit is now open with early bird savings available.
How image analysis can improve layer welfare
Currently, two of the biggest challenges associated with cage-free layer housing, pecking behaviors and floor eggs, are monitored manually by farm staff several times a day, which is labor intensive, time consuming and subject to human errors.
Deep learning technologies – a form of image analysis – could replace manual monitoring to track hen behavior spatially and temporally.
A prototype of the technology has reached 80-85% precision in tracking pecked birds and bird pecking behaviors in four research houses with 200 hens eat.
“This early version of pecking monitoring method and deep learning technology provide a reference for the poultry industry to develop a system for commercial cage-free houses to track pecking in real-time and reduce pecking related losses and promote animal welfare management,” said Chai.
“Our next step is escalating the tests in larger houses or commercial systems (with 50,000 hens or more).”
Attend the 2022 Poultry Tech Summit
Join an exclusive international gathering of industry-changing innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, technology experts, investors and leading poultry producers at the 2022 edition of Poultry Tech Summit on October 30 - November 1 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Attendees can expect the same groundbreaking innovation and insightful presentations that made the previous events well-attended with deep dialogue on new prospective solutions and next-generation technologies. Poultry Tech Summit focuses on the transition of innovative technologies into commercial applications to advance the poultry industry.
Registration is now open with early savings available.
