Predicting early welfare issues in poultry using AI and worker knowledge – Poultry World

Author: Tony Mcdougal | Source: PoultryWorld | Read the full article | Published: February 7, 2025

A new project led by Harper Adams University in the UK aims to improve the welfare of poultry by combining artificial intelligence (AI) with the knowledge of poultry workers. Researchers are collaborating with Optifarm, a data technology firm, to develop better methods for assessing the well-being of birds both remotely and on-site at commercial farms. The project also includes social science research to understand the challenges farm staff face when making decisions about bird welfare and how to present data in a way that helps them make informed choices.

The initiative seeks to create a system that can predict welfare issues in poultry before they become serious problems. By using AI technology, the researchers hope to provide farmers with actionable insights that can enhance animal welfare and improve farm operations. The project emphasizes the importance of clear communication between AI systems and farmers, ensuring that the information provided is easily understandable and relevant to their daily tasks.

Dr. Laura Palczynski, the project lead, highlights the significance of understanding farmers' perspectives and the challenges they encounter when using data to make welfare decisions. The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between advanced technology and practical farming needs, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both the animals and the agricultural business.

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