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