Artificial Intelligence and Sensor Innovations: Enhancing Livestock Welfare with a Human-Centric Approach

Human-Centric Intelligent Systems, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 4(1), P. 77 - 92

Published: Nov. 22, 2023

Abstract In the wake of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor technologies, a new horizon possibilities has emerged across diverse sectors. Livestock farming, domain often sidelined conventional AI discussions, stands at cusp this transformative wave. This paper delves into profound potential innovations reshaping animal welfare livestock with pronounced emphasis on human-centric paradigm. Central to our discourse is symbiotic interplay between cutting-edge technology human expertise. While mechanisms offer real-time, comprehensive, objective insights welfare, it’s farmer’s intrinsic knowledge their environment that should steer these technological strides. We champion notion as an enhancer farmers’ innate capabilities, not substitute. Our manuscript sheds light on: Objective Animal Welfare Indicators: An exhaustive exploration health, behavioral, physiological metrics, underscoring AI’s prowess delivering precise, timely, evaluations. Farmer-Centric Approach: A focus pivotal role farmers adept adoption judicious utilization coupled discussions crafting intuitive, pragmatic, cost-effective solutions tailored farmers' distinct needs. Ethical Social Implications: discerning scrutiny digital metamorphosis encompassing facets like privacy, data safeguarding, responsible deployment, access disparities. Future Pathways: Advocacy for principled design, unambiguous use guidelines, fair access, all echoing fundamental principles computing analytics. essence, furnishes pioneering crossroads technology, ethics. It presents rejuvenated perspective, bridging chasm beneficiaries, resonating seamlessly ethos Human-Centric Intelligent Systems journal. comprehensive analysis thus marks significant stride burgeoning intelligent systems, especially within farming landscape, fostering harmonious coexistence animals, humans.

Language: Английский

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Biosecurity: Reducing the burden of disease

Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 54(2), P. 397 - 426

Published: April 1, 2023

Abstract The challenges and problems of managing good biosecurity are wide‐ranging multifactorial with many compounding factors to pre‐dispose farmed stocks an increased risk infection consequential stock losses. Many anthropogenic in origin may be the result physical location (site) and/or poor design production facility (i.e., water re‐use; lack zoning based on risk, etc.) as well from inappropriate decisions practices made once site is pushing system for biomass production). There a need better regulation health legislation across aquaculture—an industry that embraces culture >500 species. In absence regulatory frameworks guidelines, it difficult farmers apply certain measures such maximum stocking densities allowed biomass, conduct disease surveillance regular checks, report diseases relevant authorities advice. this review, we have identified several issues which continuing challenge implementation efficient effective strategies protocols at all levels, requiring attention over coming decade. They are, not any order priority: (a) healthy seed, (b) emergency preparedness response, (c) diagnostics, (d) microbial management level, (e) pathogen surveillance, (f) trade aquatic species, (g) policies framework, (h) welfare, (i) research technology development, (j) antimicrobial resistance, (k) non‐conventional ways transfer, (l) Progressive Management Pathway.

Language: Английский

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A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare

Biology Letters, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 21(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

The concept of animal welfare is evolving due to progress in our scientific understanding biology and changing societal expectations. Animal science has been primarily concerned with minimizing suffering, but there growing interest also promoting positive experiences, grouped under the term (PAW). However, are discrepancies use PAW. An interdisciplinary group arrived at a consensus that ‘PAW can be defined as flourishing through experience predominantly mental states development competence resilience. PAW goes beyond ensuring good physical health prevention alleviation suffering. It encompasses animals experiencing resulting from rewarding including having choices opportunities actively pursue goals achieve desired outcomes’. definition considers individual species-specific differences. provides framework for researchers investigate thereby generate innovative, informative reproducible science. Studies contribute richer picture an animal’s life may elucidate biological foundations happiness. creates inspire align care practices, legislation markets

Language: Английский

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Emergency response in overturned pig transport vehicles: Description and discussion of Danish cases from a One Welfare perspective

Animal Welfare, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 34

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Abstract Based on experiences from stakeholders, this paper describes and discusses Danish emergency procedures when animal transport vehicles overturn, a One Welfare perspective. Twenty qualitative interviews were conducted with selected stakeholders involved in responses their co-ordination. Results extracted are presented as description of the management situations where pig overturn traffic accident. The is followed by discussion six identified themes related to welfare such situations: (1) Standard operating procedures; (2) Balancing work safety; (3) Roles, education experience; (4) Communication, time access animals; (5) Debriefing; (6) Killing animals. Overall, analyses showed that response at an overturned vehicle involves different professional groups, requires technical knowledge regarding well species how handle results discussed perspective, suggesting these include inherent societal prioritisation dilemma involving balancing of, for example, training, preparation debriefing groups. Further research needed address ethical considerations, share best practices, enhance protocols.

Language: Английский

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Comparison of first- and last-born pigs revealed no effect of the birth process on acquisition and reversal of the cognitive holeboard task

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 285, P. 106585 - 106585

Published: March 3, 2025

Language: Английский

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Getting used to it? Stress of repeated management procedures in semi-domesticated reindeer

BMC Veterinary Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 21(1)

Published: April 14, 2025

Abstract Background Extensive animal production systems, such as reindeer husbandry may represent a system to further study the context dependence of stress responses and potential implications for welfare research on food has so far primarily focused animals in intensive systems while from extensive reindeer, are yet underrepresented. We investigated short- longer-term repeated herding, handling restraint its effect semi-domesticated adult female ( Rangifer tarandus ). also assessed seasonal differences additional stressor calf removal using serum concentrations glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone corticosterone), their precursors (11-desoxcortisol, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone deoxycorticosterone) catecholamine metabolites (metanephrine normetanephrine) combination with immunological proxy leukocyte coping capacity (LCC) rectal temperature. Additionally, we interconnections among different indices suitability indicators evaluate handling-induced where temperature, other than cortisol levels, emerged robust integrative parameter. Results Herding, handling, elicited marked seasonally short-term response higher mediator levels winter. Further, females who had removed shortly after parturition showed increased based LCC. The exposure same stressors led habituation, decreasing procedure both seasons. This outcome implies that present were able cope well manipulations this intensification not compromise welfare. Notably, traditional index body temperature correlated various encompassing HPA axis (cortisol corticosterone summer additionally 11-deoxycortisol winter), sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (metanephrine) (LCC), Conclusion Our results emphasise (rectal) parameter our study. findings add foundation evaluating available individual environmental contexts contribute improved management practices aimed at reducing enhancing

Language: Английский

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Rethinking Poultry Welfare—Integrating Behavioral Science and Digital Innovations for Enhanced Animal Well-Being

Poultry, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 4(2), P. 20 - 20

Published: April 29, 2025

The relentless drive to meet global demand for poultry products has pushed rapid intensification in chicken farming, dramatically boosting efficiency and yield. Yet, these gains have exposed a host of complex welfare challenges that prompted scientific scrutiny ethical reflection. In this review, I critically evaluate recent innovations aimed at mitigating such concerns by drawing on advances behavioral science digital monitoring insights into biological adaptations. Specifically, focus four interconnected themes: First, spotlight the complexity avian sensory perception—encompassing vision, auditory capabilities, olfaction, tactile faculties—to underscore how lighting design, housing configurations, enrichment strategies can better align with birds’ unique worlds. Second, explore novel tools gauging emotional states cognition, ranging from cognitive bias tests developing protocols identifying pain or distress based facial cues. Third, examine transformative potential computer bioacoustics, sensor-based technologies continuous, automated tracking behavior physiological indicators commercial flocks. Fourth, assess data-driven management platforms, underpinned precision livestock deploy real-time optimize broad scale. Recognizing climate change evolving production environments intensify challenges, also investigate breeds resilient extreme conditions might open new avenues welfare-centered genetic approaches. While adoption cutting-edge techniques shown promise, significant hurdles persist regarding validation, standardization, acceptance. conclude truly sustainable progress hinges an interdisciplinary convergence ethology, neuroscience, engineering, data analytics, evolutionary biology—an integrative path not only refines assessment but reimagines ethically scientifically robust ways.

Language: Английский

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Effects of lighted incubation and foraging enrichment during rearing on individual fear behavior, corticosterone, and neuroplasticity in laying hen pullets

Poultry Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 103(6), P. 103665 - 103665

Published: March 15, 2024

Environmental conditions during incubation and rearing can influence stress responsivity of laying hen pullets throughout their lifespan, therefore have important implications for welfare. In this study, a 12:12h green LED light-dark cycle larvae provisioning as enrichment were tested strategies to optimize early-life thereby decrease in ISA Brown hens. A combination parameters was measured indicate neuronal, physiological, behavioral changes that may affect fear stress. The proteins calbindin D28k (calbindin1), doublecortin (DCX), neuronal nuclein protein (NeuN) quantified after hatch proxy brain plasticity. Plasma feather corticosterone levels at the end phase, fearfulness investigated through series tests (i.e., voluntary approach, open field, tonic immobility, manual restraint tests). No effects light found on calbindin1, DCX, or NeuN. Neither treatments affected blood plasma feathers. Light-incubated showed less towards humans approach test, but not other reported study. Larvae had no effect behavior. Our study minor pullets. small be explained by enriched all birds experiment (low stocking density, natural daylight, 24/7 classical music). Given promising results lighted studies, which mostly performed broiler chickens, evidence regarding positive rearing, potential these improve welfare needs explored further.

Language: Английский

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The behavior and welfare of neglected species: some examples from fish and mammals

PeerJ, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12, P. e17149 - e17149

Published: March 28, 2024

Animal welfare is the state of an animal’s body and mind level to which its requirements are satisfied. affected by human decisions actions. Numerous concerning animals driven desires enhance their own lives, some these may be influenced self-interest or a strong emphasis on economic factors. How assess central issue in animal science. Two critical questions can used address welfare: first, healthy, second, does have what it needs? Both potentially answered using study behavior. The development behavioral methodologies crucial for evaluating contexts where concern often highest, such as intensive modern farms sites working used. Herein, we discuss focusing major concepts explanations. Later, illustrate key aspects welfare, chose examine information that available ‘neglected’ livestock species, commercially important global basis found large numbers: buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis ), camels Camelus dromedarius donkeys Equus asinus mules × caballus lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus ). We species because there ongoing concerns about more research required help solve various problems. Overall, imbalances terms usually studied research, call greater attention those traditionally been neglected.

Language: Английский

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Effect of Stocking Density on Behavioural and Physiological Traits of Laying Hens

Animals, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(4), P. 604 - 604

Published: Feb. 19, 2025

This study analysed stocking density as a major stress factor for laying hens and assessed its impact on selected behavioural physiological traits of the birds. The population included 142 birds Green-legged Partridge breed (12 males 132 females). were randomly assigned to three experimental groups standard, low, high density, modified open-field test was conducted assess their traits. following blood parameters analysed: corticosterone, cortisol, testosterone. results demonstrated an hens' behaviour. kept at low exhibited greatest diversity in behaviour well most frequent longest locomotion. There no differences between terms hormone results. All showed significant decrease testosterone levels compared control. may suggest that, despite stocking, structure established quickly, resulting decreased competition and, consequently, positive When lower-stocking-density with stable structure, are less competitive; this improves well-being greater extent than density.

Language: Английский

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