Abstract - Siegford

Opportunities and risks of digital technology on animal farms: a practical perspective

Automated technologies to monitor and manage
farm animals are rapidly being developed and
commercialised. A remarkable array of sensors is
available to detect animal responses ranging from
vocalisations, facial expressions and body temperature
to chemicals present in an animal’s breath. Applications
relying on the power of deep learning and artificial
intelligence are being developed to recognise and
interpret information collected by these sensors. These
technologies have the potential to holistically monitor
animals on farm in real time across their lives, which
could help us better manage animals as individuals.
Early detection of disease or precise tailoring of diets
could improve animal health and reduce environmental
impacts. Automation of manual, repetitive tasks
could free stockpeople to spend more on rewarding
care or animal interaction tasks. However, whether
technologies can practically deliver all these benefits
remains to be seen. Animal environments are hard
on technology and require new skill sets from farm
workers. Technologies may also not target issues that
producers most need help with or may provide simplistic
outputs that do not lead to impactful actions. Critical
examination of opportunities and risks is needed to
develop and use on farm technologies in ways that are
beneficial for the animals, humans and environment.

Prof Janice Siegford
Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group
Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University