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