Farmers are using smart technology like sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the health of their chickens and increase egg production. This new approach is helping farmers produce more eggs while keeping their chickens healthier and happier.
The project, called Flockwise, is supported by Innovate UK, an organization that helps UK companies develop new products and services. Flockwise is creating a system that uses sensors to monitor important factors like the chickens’ health, welfare, and productivity. The system then uses AI to help farmers make better decisions based on the data.
Several organizations are involved in the project, including the Lakes Free Range Egg Co, Newcastle University, and the UK Agri-Tech Centre. Together, they aim to help farmers deal with rising costs of energy, feed, and labor, as well as challenges like bird flu and changing environmental rules.
By improving chicken health, the project could help farmers earn up to £110,000 more per flock and produce an additional 1.7 billion eggs in the UK. Better care for the chickens also means fewer birds die, which lowers the carbon footprint for every kilogram of eggs produced.
One of the key technologies in this project is the BirdBox system, which already helps farmers monitor things like light, temperature, and air quality in chicken houses. The project will add new features, such as sound sensors and egg quality monitors, to give farmers even more information about their flocks.
This data will be used to create a learning tool that helps farmers understand what actions improve chicken welfare and egg production. By using this information, farmers can quickly address problems, improve their flock’s health, and ensure they meet industry standards.
Carly Scott, the project lead from FAI, said, “BirdBox already helps farmers manage their flocks better. With these new updates, farmers can detect and prevent problems, leading to healthier birds and more eggs.”
David Brass, CEO of The Lakes Free Range Egg Co, added, “This innovative research will bring a new era of egg production and improve poultry welfare significantly.”
This technology is expected to make egg farming more sustainable, profitable, and environmentally friendly while ensuring the chickens are well cared for.
Source: computerweekly
