Sustainable Poultry Farming: Leveraging Data and Digital Technology for Healthier Chickens

August 1, 2024
Blog
4 min read
Image presenting Sustainable Poultry Farming: Leveraging Data and Digital Technology for Healthier Chickens

The poultry industry is undergoing a transformative shift in sustainability and animal welfare. The integration of data and digital technology is not only enhancing efficiency but also ensuring better living conditions for chickens.

The Need for Sustainable Poultry Farming

The poultry industry is a significant contributor to the global food supply, providing a source of protein for billions of people. However, traditional farming methods often lead to environmental degradation, resource wastage, and poor animal welfare. Sustainable poultry farming aims to address these issues by:

  •       Reducing the environmental footprint.
  •       Ensuring ethical treatment of animals.
  •       Improving resource efficiency.

Understanding the importance of sustainable poultry farming is crucial for addressing these challenges. For more insights on why sustainable practices are essential for the future of poultry farming, visit Noiler.

The Role of Data and Digital Technology

The arrival of the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising poultry farming. Here’s how these technologies contribute to sustainability and animal welfare:

  1.     IoT and Smart Sensors

IoT devices and smart sensors are important in modern poultry farming. These technologies monitor various parameters such as temperature, humidity, light, and air quality in real time. For instance:

Temperature and Humidity Control: Optimal temperature and humidity levels are key for the health and productivity of chickens. Smart sensors ensure that these conditions are maintained, reducing stress and disease incidence.

Lighting Management: Chickens require specific light cycles for proper growth and egg production. IoT-enabled lighting systems can simulate natural light patterns, improving overall health and productivity.

  1.     Big Data Analytics

The vast amount of data collected from IoT devices is analysed using big data analytics to gain actionable insights. This analysis helps farmers make informed decisions about various aspects of poultry farming, including:

Feed Optimization: Data on feed consumption patterns can help optimise feed distribution, reducing waste and ensuring chickens receive the right nutrients.

Health Monitoring: Analysing data on movement, weight, and behaviour can detect early signs of illness, allowing for timely intervention and reducing mortality rates.

  1.     Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI takes part in predictive analytics and automation in poultry farming. Applications of AI include:

  •       Disease Prediction and Prevention: AI algorithms can predict disease outbreaks based on historical data and current conditions, enabling proactive measures to prevent the spread.
  •       Automated Farming Operations: Robots and automated systems, powered by AI, can handle tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and egg collection, reducing labour costs and ensuring consistency.

For a deeper dive into how technology is being harnessed to enhance poultry production, check out this insightful article on data-driven decision making in precision livestock farming from Modern Poultry.

Poultry

Challenges in Digital Poultry Transformation

Despite the potential benefits, there are challenges in integrating digital technology into poultry farming, particularly related to existing systems such as the EU’s TRACES system. TRACES supports the issuing of official certificates, recording of official controls, and route planning for animals and animal products, smoothing efficient online interaction between the private sector and competent authorities. However, this system poses an administrative burden on farmers and food producers

 Digi4Live Addressing Challenges with Innovative Solutions

The Digi4Live project is modernising poultry farming through digital innovation and addressing industry challenges by implementing solutions that boost sustainability and efficiency through our Case Studies.

To overcome these challenges, it is needed to identify existing smart digital applications that can streamline data recording and document creation, which are currently not supported by TRACES. By analysing automation options in poultry (as well as pigs and beef cattle), through desk studies and expert panels in Denmark and Poland, several improvements can be made:

  •       Avoiding Double Data Entries: Implementing systems that integrate various data sources to eliminate redundant entries.
  •       GPS-based Location Data: Utilising GPS technology for accurate tracking and logging of animal movements.
  •       Digital Transport Logs: Maintaining comprehensive digital records of transport activities.

Outcomes and Benefits

The anticipated outcomes of these digital solutions include:

  •       Automated Data Handling: Streamlined processes for animal and product displacements, reducing administrative burdens.
  •       Improved Animal Welfare: Enhanced control over animal welfare and environmental impacts during transport.
  •       Enhanced Transparency: Better communication and transparency among producers, processors, and consumers, with TRACES informed.
  •       Upscalability: Potential for EU-wide implementation and applicability to other species and product labelling.

Enhancing Breeding Goals with Digital Technology

Livestock systems are evolving, necessitating a balanced approach to breeding goals that accounts for social interactions and herd management. Current sensor-based measurements are not typically used for breeding purposes. Digital technology can address this gap by:

  •       Electronic Nests in Poultry: Monitoring nesting behaviours and improving breeding efficiency.
  •       Computer Vision for Parentage Tracking: Utilising advanced imaging to accurately track lineage and genetic traits.
  •       Genomic Tools: Incorporating genetic data to enhance breeding decisions.
  •       On-field Weighing: Implementing accurate, real-time weight tracking for better health and productivity management.

To explore how the integration of new technologies is transforming poultry farming, including advancements in breeding and technology applications, check out the Alabama Cooperative Extension System blog about „The Poultry Technology Revolution“.

Digitalisation for Environmental Impact Assessment

Assessing the environmental impact of livestock products, such as poultry, through Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) requires comprehensive and accurate data. Current LCA practices often use incomplete data. Digitalising on-farm data collection can greatly improve the quality and completeness of LCAs:

  •       Web-based Templates: Standardizing data collection processes.
  •       Integration of Sensor Data: Combining various data sources (e.g., feed production, geospatial data) for a comprehensive view.
  •       Prototype Software: Developing software to integrate digital data sources into LCA processes.

The Future of Poultry Farming: Embracing Technology for Sustainability

Integrating data and digital technology in poultry farming marks a significant step towards sustainability and improved animal welfare. By harnessing the power of IoT, big data, and AI, farmers can create a more humane and efficient poultry industry. As technology continues to evolve, the future of poultry farming looks promising, with happier chickens and a healthier planet. 

 

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