Scientists are testing a new AI tool that could recognize pain in goats just by analyzing their facial expressions. Since animals can’t talk, it’s hard to know exactly when they’re in pain. Vets and farmers usually rely on signs like unusual sounds or reduced appetite, but these signs are not always clear, and understanding them can take years of experience.
AI technology, however, is good at finding patterns. Just like Google Lens can recognize a cat by analyzing its features, this AI tool can be trained to identify facial expressions that show pain. Researchers at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine used AI to study the faces of 40 goats—some in pain and some comfortable. The AI learned to spot pain by studying these faces and achieved an accuracy rate of 62% to 80%.
This AI tool could make it easier for farmers and vets to check the wellbeing of animals quickly. It might even help doctors with non-verbal patients, like infants, who can’t communicate their pain. Ludovica Chiavaccini, an anesthesiology expert at the university, explained that recognizing pain in animals isn’t just about animal welfare; it also affects productivity, as animals in pain often eat less and gain less weight.
With more data, the AI’s accuracy could improve, helping farmers detect pain early and treat animals faster. In the future, they may even have mobile apps that let them scan animals for signs of pain, saving time and improving animal care.
Source: gizmodo
