The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in the daily operations of agriculture and livestock farming. Many recent studies have focused on precision farming and livestock techniques, demonstrating how AI can offer alternatives and solutions to issues related to sustainability practices, disease control, productivity, animal welfare, and inefficiencies in the supply chain. These advances encourage us to explore how cutting-edge technology can contribute to every stage of production. In this article, we will focus on broiler poultry farming and the advances in artificial intelligence within the sector.
Artificial intelligence in poultry farming has provided valuable insights to poultry farmers and other industry professionals. This ranges from technologies already established in the daily operations of farms, such as temperature, humidity, and air quality sensors, to innovations that enable the automation of routine tasks through machine learning. When properly structured, this technology allows data to be collected through images or sensors that monitor positioning in real-time. This information is sent to a central hub, where it is processed and made available in reports accessible via applications, from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. As a result, it becomes possible to obtain filtered and specific real-time information directly in the palm of your hand.
Before delving into examples of new technologies, we must understand what machine learning is. Machine Learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that enables computational systems to learn and make decisions without explicit programming. However, this is only possible through the analysis of large volumes of data, where patterns are identified to make predictions based on this information, using mathematical models and algorithms that automatically adjust as new data is received.
Therefore, Artificial Intelligence in poultry farming aims to create systems capable of performing tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as reasoning, problem-solving, natural language understanding, pattern recognition, and decision-making. Machine learning, in turn, allows computers to learn and perform tasks without explicit instructions on how to do so. These tasks may include classification, prediction, and segmentation of unknown data. In the context of poultry farming, machine learning can be applied to predict disease outbreaks, optimize feed for birds based on expected growth, and automate monitoring tasks through cameras and smart sensors.
Among the practical examples, silo sensors stand out, allowing for precise control of feed stock, which facilitates production planning, logistics, and the receipt of supplies. Another relevant innovation is the replacement of manual weighing of broilers with virtual weighing. In this method, the animals are filmed, and the captured images are processed to estimate their weight automatically and accurately.
Weighing, a crucial parameter for health, performance, and batch standardization, is a key step in batch control and must be carried out at different stages of production. However, the traditional method requires the mobilization of trained employees, who must capture and relocate the animals for weighing. This can lead to stress and injuries to the birds, as well as increase the risk of inaccuracies in the data collected, especially if the sampling is not conducted properly. Thus, virtual weighing emerges as an innovative and efficient alternative, reducing the impact on the animals and ensuring greater accuracy in monitoring productive performance. Moreover, weight projection and batch uniformity are essential information for slaughterhouses, as they facilitate planning the slaughter schedule.
In addition to real-time batch uniformity measurements, image sensors can identify reproductive behaviors and monitor animal welfare, which is an important factor for productivity. For example, another essential practice in poultry houses is analyzing the feeding pattern of the broilers, including the distribution of access to feed and water, as well as the distribution of heating during the early stages of the chicks’ life. With the help of image monitoring, this data can be tracked remotely, eliminating the need for frequent entry into the poultry house. This not only minimizes interference with the birds’ environment, reducing stress, but also allows for more precise and continuous control of the rearing conditions.
However, the use of artificial intelligence may raise questions about the accuracy of results obtained from data collected by sensors. In this context, ongoing research, combined with the continuous improvement of machine learning, plays a crucial role in making this technology a viable and accessible solution that helps producers and technicians detect anomalies early and make informed decisions. Nonetheless, the full implementation of these technologies may face challenges related to connectivity in rural areas due to digital infrastructure limitations in certain regions, requiring ongoing investments to make AI usage increasingly accessible and to expand its benefits throughout the entire production chain.
OPTA also stands out for using cutting-edge technology based on innovative solutions to drive the advancement of broiler poultry farming. One such example is the mathematical modeling of broiler growth, called BroilerOPT™.
The BroilerOPT™ system operates by feeding the software with data collected from the farm or field experiments, enabling precise simulations and analyses. This tool plays a key role in the sustainability of the sector, particularly in scenarios involving uncertainties and fluctuations in agricultural prices.
By using nutritional values, ingredient costs, and zootechnical performance data, the software transforms the information into strategic insights to optimize production. Additionally, it provides performance estimates and carcass yield, enabling the evaluation of different diet formulations to maximize the contribution margin and enhance production efficiency.
Learn more about BroilerOPT™! Contact our consultants to obtain more information about the studies conducted with the software and for additional details. Stay updated with our news on LinkedIn.
