The agricultural sector is no stranger to innovation and technology, and in recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been making significant inroads into transforming how farms are managed. While AI has been primarily used for detecting illnesses and ailments in animals, a new AI veterinary technology is taking things a step further by focusing on enhancing positive animal welfare on dairy farms.
Sainsbury’s, a leading retailer in Australia, has made history by being the first to invest in this groundbreaking AI technology developed by Vet Vision AI, a spin-out company from the University of Nottingham. This innovative technology utilises low-cost and portable cameras that can be easily used by vets on multiple farms to monitor cows’ behaviour and well-being.
Unlike traditional AI systems that mainly focus on identifying diseases, Vet Vision AI goes beyond by recognising patterns in cows’ behaviour and translating video footage into real-time, accurate data. This data is then analysed to provide valuable insights to farmers on how to enhance animals’ lifestyles. These suggestions may include housing improvements for better comfort and animal engagement, as well as providing enrichment activities like cow brushes to reduce stress.
With round-the-clock monitoring capabilities, farmers can make more informed decisions about their cattle’s welfare, leading to improved overall health and productivity. The continuous analysis of behaviour allows for a ‘test and learn’ approach to implementing welfare tactics, ensuring that interventions are effective in promoting animal well-being.
One of the key benefits of this AI technology is early disease detection on dairy farms. By constantly monitoring the cows’ behaviour, the system can detect signs of illness at an early stage, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. This proactive approach not only benefits the animals’ health but also helps farmers in maintaining the productivity of their herds.
Dave Bacon, a dairy farmer who supplies milk to Sainsbury’s, shared his positive experience with Vet Vision AI. After implementing recommended changes to improve cow comfort, such as upgrading housing and providing new cow mattresses, he saw a noticeable improvement in his cows’ well-being. Happy and comfortable cows are known to produce more milk, and with the help of AI technology, farmers can now have tangible data to support their investments in enhancing animal welfare.
Moreover, promoting positive animal welfare not only benefits the animals but also enhances farming efficiency. A healthy and contented cow is a more productive one, leading to increased milk production. By improving cow comfort, farmers can expect better leg health and higher milk yields with the same amount of feed, ultimately contributing to the farm’s overall profitability.
Dr. James Breen, a professor in Cattle Health at the University of Nottingham, highlighted the value of using this AI technology for dairy herd management. By observing cows’ natural behaviours without disturbing them, the system provides valuable insights that can help improve foot health, udder health, and fertility performance in cattle.
Sainsbury’s commitment to investing in animal health and welfare is further underscored by its continuous efforts to support dairy farmers in adopting innovative technologies. Dr. Matt Turner, the agriculture manager at Sainsbury’s, expressed the positive impact of the AI technology on dairy farmers and reiterated the retailer’s commitment to expanding its usage to a wider network of Dairy Development Group farms.
Dr. Tom Angel, a veterinarian at Synergy Farm Health, praised the capabilities of Vet Vision AI in identifying positive animal welfare indicators and assessing the impact of management changes on farm animals. The use of computer vision technology has provided valuable insights into how animals respond to environmental and management practices, enabling farmers to make informed decisions for improving animal welfare.
Currently, the AI technology is being piloted on 30 of Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group farms, with plans to roll out the system to more farms in the near future. This initiative not only benefits individual dairy farmers but also aligns with Sainsbury’s broader goal of promoting sustainable agriculture practices and high animal welfare standards within the industry.
In conclusion, the adoption of AI veterinary technology in dairy farming represents a significant step forward in enhancing animal welfare and farm efficiency. By leveraging the power of AI to monitor and analyse cows’ behaviour, farmers can proactively address health issues, improve animal comfort, and ultimately boost productivity. As more retailers and industry stakeholders embrace innovative solutions like Vet Vision AI, the future of dairy farming in Australia looks promising, with a strong focus on animal well-being and sustainable practices. Join us in subscribing to the Cattle Weekly newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments in the dairy sector and learn more about how technology is shaping the future of agriculture.
