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Understanding Chicken Sounds with AI to Improve Poultry Welfare

Posted by Stephanie Rogers on March 20, 2024 in News, Research
Discover how the application of AI in animal science at Dalhousie University is paving the way for informed poultry farming practices and improved animal welfare.
Discover how the application of AI in animal science at Dalhousie University is paving the way for informed poultry farming practices and improved animal welfare.

Professor Suresh Neethirajan and his research team are working on a unique project. They're using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to understand the sounds chickens make, aiding farmers and the agriculture sector in enhancing poultry care.

The study, "Cracking the Code of Clucks - How AI Unravels Chicken Chatter Secrets," focuses on translating the variety of sounds produced by chickens. Applying Natural Language Processing (NLP), a form of AI, the team aims to turn these noises into actionable insights for improving poultry environments.

"Our goal is straightforward, to interpret what chickens are trying to communicate," explains Professor Neethirajan. "This work isn’t just about collecting data; it's about using that information to improve the living conditions of chickens, identifying signs of stress, illness, or well-being."

This research promises significant benefits for the poultry industry by fostering a better understanding of chicken communications. Such insights can lead to enhanced living conditions for chickens, contributing to healthier flocks and reflecting a commitment to animal welfare.

The broader community is taking notice, as highlighted by a segment on CBC TV. This feature introduces the audience to the intersection of AI and animal behavior, showcasing the potential of technology to advance our understanding of animal welfare in agriculture.

For more details on this insightful research and to watch the CBC TV segment, follow the links provided. Discover how the application of AI in animal science at Dalhousie University is paving the way for informed poultry farming practices and improved animal welfare.

Watch on CBC TV: Understanding Chicken Emotions Through AI

Read the CBC News Feature: Click Here

CBC Radio: Click Here