Artificial intelligence (AI) in poultry industry

¹Pranit Mankhair, ¹Priyanka Kumari and ² Pankaj Kumar Singh

¹M.V.Sc. Scholar, ²Professor & Head, Department of Animal Nutrition, Bihar Veterinary College, Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna, India

In the modern era, technology is an inevitable part of our day- to- day life. Artificial intelligence, in its broadest sense, is intelligence exhibited by machines, particularly computer system. AI technology is widely used throughout industry, government, and science. AI programming is done to create algorithms that can learn from data to make predictive analysis. John Mc Carthy is considered as father of Artificial intelligence. ArtificialIntelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in the poultry industry, enabling the development of intelligent systems capable of performing tasks that traditionally require human intelligence.AI can help the poultry industry address environmental impact, animal welfare, and production efficiency and also automate animal identification and weighing, improving accuracy and efficiency. AI can optimize breeding processes by automating task like egg grading, identifying live embryos, controlling incubation and predicting hatching.

Poultry industry is noticeably embracing and implementing artificial intelligence in every aspect of poultry farming and trading for sustainable development. AI is enhancing operational efficiency and avert unpredictable challenges by gathering and analyse data.AI in poultry production can help address many challenges while improving farming efficiency and maximizing profit. To secure poultry production and market interests, leading poultry giants are deploying IoT-enabled poultry farm management systems like precision livestock farming (PLF) technology, advanced sensors, and data-driven decision-making. PLF technology is already garnering major attention for automating poultry farm management and production with real-time flock health monitoring, identification of birds, precise feed management, virtual fencing, etc. AI is revolutionizing poultry farming in following ways:

Environmental Impact and Efficiency:

AI can address environmental impact and enhance production efficiency. By automating tasks like animal identification and weighing, accuracy and efficiency are improved.

1. Breeding
   • AI can optimize breeding processes by automating tasks such as:
     • Egg grading: Ensuring consistent quality.
     • Identifying live embryos: Enhancing hatchery efficiency.
     • Controlling incubation conditions: Improving hatching success
2. Monitoring and management

AI – powered system can monitor poultry houses in real- time using sensors to track parameters such as temperature, humidity, air quality and water consumption. It helps in monitoring and address issues promptly like ventilation, disease outbreak etc.

• Feed managemen

AI algorithms helps in feed formulations based on factors like bird age, weight health status and nutritional requirement. AI helps in maximize growth rate, minimizes feed wastage and cost-effective feed formulation.

• Data analytics and prediction

AI algorithms analyse vast amounts of data collected from poultry farms, including feed consumption, environmental condition, production yield etc.

• Disease detection and prevention

AI can help in or can analyse data from various sources, including bird behaviour, physiological indicators and environmental conditions, to detect signs of disease outbreaks early. This early detection helps in prompt intervention regarding spread of disease and thus minimizes the heavy losses.

• Robotics and automation

AI-powered robots are increasingly being used in poultry farms for task such as egg collection, cleaning, and disinfection. These robots reducing labour requirements, improving efficiency and consistent performance.

• Supply chain optimisation

By analysing data on supply chain processes and performance metrics, farmers can identify inefficiencies, reduce cost and improve the overall resilience of the supply chain.

• Market forecasting

AI is used to forecast market demand for poultry products based on factors such as consumer preferences, economic conditions, and seasonal trends. So that farmer can adjust production levels and pricing strategies to meet demand and maximize profitability

• Decision support system

Data analytics provides farmers with valuable insights and recommendations through decision support system. It plays crucial role in helping poultry farmers make informed decisions, optimize production processes, and ensure efficient production of high quality of poultry products.

1. Biosecurity management

AI play pivotal role in Biosecurity management. It helps in prevention and spread of diseases on poultry farms. Monitoring and management of biosecurity involve strict protocols for controlling access to poultry houses, sanitizing equipment and facilities and monitoring the health status of incoming birds.

1. Waste management

Technologies such as composting, anaerobic digestion, nutrient recovery systems may be applied to manage poultry waste sustainability.

1. Record keeping and documentation

Electronic record keeping system allow farmers to store and analyse data efficiently, track trends over the time, and comply with regulatory requirements.

1. Feed delivery and distribution

AI helps in feed delivery and distribution in a very efficient way. Feed is delivered to poultry houses using automated feeding systems, feed bins or feed carts. Feed delivery systems are designed to minimize waste, ensure accurate dosing and provide easy access for birds.

1. Selection of breeding stock

Poultry breeders carefully select breeding stock basesd on desired traits and genetic potential by the help of Artificial intelligence.

1. Monitoring chicken vocalisations

AI -fuelled sound detection system can identify anomalies and issue warnings on this basis. with vocalisation monitoring, the farmers can also prevent cannibalistic behaviours in the flock.

1. Detecting breeding times and reproduction monitoring

The machine learning algorithm combines the flock age, heat times of the monitored female birds with the other variables that impact fertility like environment conditions, stress etc.

1. Post – farm activities

The role of AI does not end in the poultry broiler and layer farms. The poultry processing plant units can also use it further in post- farm activities to ensure the highest quality of their products and reduce epidemiological risk or prevent breaking quality regulations.

1. Ensuring Food Safety

A trained algorithm equipped with a computer vision system can evaluate the products on the assembly line in terms of regulatory compliance and sort them based on the result of this evaluation.

1. Improving the efficiency of processing plant

AI can help in the analysis of the structure and density of tissues to differentiate meat versus bone in order to trim meat precisely. It can help to improve the removal of feathers, skin and subcutaneous tissue.

• Miscellaneous uses

AI is a versatile technology with several applications that can impact the poultry industry in many ways. In particular, machine vision and smart automation offer significant benefits to feed and nutrition companies and pharmaceuticals. These technologies improve accuracy, and efficiency, and enhance quality control in their manufacturing facilities. AI enables remote monitoring of farms, providing enhanced control over the entire production system, which includes layer, broiler and breeder farm.

Moreover, AI facilities the rapid dissemination of new technologies. New technologies become much simpler, and convincing stakeholders with AI. This accelerated adoption of new technologies can lead to improved practices and efficiency in the poultry industry.

Limitations

Implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the poultry industry presents several challenges, but the potential benefits are substantial. There are following limitation: –

1. Data Collection and Quality:
   • Gathering relevant data is crucial for AI systems. However, collecting accurate and comprehensive data from poultry farms can be challenging.
   • Ensuring data quality (free from errors, biases, and missing values) is essential for effective AI models.
2. Integration with Existing Systems:
   • Many poultry farms already have established systems for monitoring, feeding, and managing birds. Integrating AI seamlessly with these existing systems can be complex.
   • Compatibility issues and the need for smooth transitions pose challenges during implementation.
3. Cost Considerations:
   • Developing and deploying AI solutions require financial investment. Farms need to weigh the costs against the potential benefits.
   • Smaller farms may find it challenging to allocate resources for AI adoption.
4. Lack of Skilled Professionals:
   • Implementing AI effectively demands expertise in both poultry farming and AI technologies.
   • The shortage of skilled professionals who understand both domains can hinder successful implementation.
5. Ethical and Welfare Concerns:
   • AI systems must prioritize animal welfare. Balancing productivity gains with ethical treatment of birds is essential.
   • Ensuring that AI-driven decisions align with humane practices is a challenge.
6. Complexity of Poultry Farming:
   • Poultry farming involves multifaceted processes, including breeding, health monitoring, feed management, and disease control.
   • Designing AI solutions that address these diverse aspects requires careful planning and domain knowledge.
7. Adaptability to Farm Variability:
   • Farms vary in size, infrastructure, climate, and management practices. AI models need to adapt to these variations.

Conclusions

AI is transforming poultry farming, making it more sustainable, efficient, and humane. AI can help the poultry industry address environmental impact, animal welfare, and production efficiency. The technological growth will allow AI to further improve the efficiency of poultry farms. Along with improved efficiency, the technology will result in easier farm management practices. Real time monitoring, early disease detection, data analytics and many other functions will allow the farm owner to take quick action and reduced further complications.  PLF technologies can aid in the control of various physical and chemical parameters enhancing the physiological status of birds and their ability to adapt to farm settings. These evaluations consider body temperature, movement, vocalization, hydration, activity and social behaviour. Implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the poultry industry presents several challenges, but the potential benefits are substantial.