Sainsbury’s Pioneers AI Technology for Enhanced Dairy Farm Animal Welfare
Source: The DairyNews
Sainsbury’s, in collaboration with Vet Vision AI, a startup emerging from the University of Nottingham, has introduced a groundbreaking artificial intelligence technology aimed at transforming animal welfare on dairy farms. This new AI system, currently under trial, utilizes low-cost, portable cameras to monitor cattle behavior, providing vets and farmers with real-time, accurate data to assess the health and happiness of the cows.
The AI technology identifies patterns in cattle behavior, enabling continuous monitoring and analysis. This approach not only helps in assessing the current welfare standards but also suggests improvements. For example, the AI has recommended enhancements in housing for better comfort and the introduction of cow brushes for stress relief.
This continuous monitoring allows for informed decision-making and a dynamic 'test and learn' strategy for implementing welfare improvements. According to Dr. Matt Turner, Vet and Agriculture Manager at Sainsbury’s, this investment underscores the retailer's commitment to advancing British farming and animal welfare. The feedback fr om dairy farms wh ere the technology is currently deployed has been overwhelmingly positive, with noticeable benefits in animal health and productivity.
Veterinary surgeon Dr. Tom Angel from Synergy Farm Health noted that the technology has enabled the identification of key welfare indicators and the effectiveness of implemented changes. Prof. James Breen from the University of Nottingham highlighted the AI’s ability to observe natural behaviors and its value in planning health and welfare interventions.
On the practical side, Dave Bacon, a dairy farmer at Gleadthorpe Farm, shared his experience with the AI, noting significant improvements in cow comfort after making housing upgrades suggested by the AI analysis. These changes, he remarked, have translated into increased milk production, confirming the direct benefits of enhanced animal welfare on farm productivity.
Sainsbury’s plans to expand this AI technology to more farms within its Dairy Development Group in the coming year, aiming to set new standards in animal welfare and farming efficiency across the industry.
This continuous monitoring allows for informed decision-making and a dynamic 'test and learn' strategy for implementing welfare improvements. According to Dr. Matt Turner, Vet and Agriculture Manager at Sainsbury’s, this investment underscores the retailer's commitment to advancing British farming and animal welfare. The feedback fr om dairy farms wh ere the technology is currently deployed has been overwhelmingly positive, with noticeable benefits in animal health and productivity.
Veterinary surgeon Dr. Tom Angel from Synergy Farm Health noted that the technology has enabled the identification of key welfare indicators and the effectiveness of implemented changes. Prof. James Breen from the University of Nottingham highlighted the AI’s ability to observe natural behaviors and its value in planning health and welfare interventions.
On the practical side, Dave Bacon, a dairy farmer at Gleadthorpe Farm, shared his experience with the AI, noting significant improvements in cow comfort after making housing upgrades suggested by the AI analysis. These changes, he remarked, have translated into increased milk production, confirming the direct benefits of enhanced animal welfare on farm productivity.
Sainsbury’s plans to expand this AI technology to more farms within its Dairy Development Group in the coming year, aiming to set new standards in animal welfare and farming efficiency across the industry.
