Future of animal welfare - technological innovations for individualized animal care.

Abstract

This chapter discusses the new technological solutions that can solve problems in animal reproduction management, activity and location tracking, feed and feed management and health and disease monitoring. Some practical and feasible commercial solutions that can address some of the issues affecting sectors such as cattle farming, poultry, swine agriculture and aquaculture are presented. The potential of some of the emerging technologies such as cameras, artificial intelligence, the internet, 5G and robotics in creating new avenues in fast communication, wide range connectivity and data-driven decision making to build truly connected farms of the future are also described. Technology has revolutionized human existence. It has augmented our being able to encompass more ability in varied avenues, enhancing our abilities to sense, process, react, and act. The practice of animal agriculture, with its increasing and dynamically changing necessities, needs adept and feasible technological intervention now more than ever. As the number of animals on farms is increasing, and the availability of land decreasing, coupled with the growing demand for animal products, it is imperative that we adopt measures that can not only monitor, but also ensure their welfare. This chapter discusses the new and promising technological solutions that can solve problems in reproduction management, activity and location tracking, feed and feed management, and health and disease monitoring. We present some ingenious as well as practically feasible commercial solutions that can tackle some of the plaguing issues affecting sectors such as cattle farming, poultry, swine agriculture, and aquaculture. Further, we discuss the potential of some of the rising technologies such as cameras, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, 5G, and robotics in creating new avenues in fast communication, wide range connectivity and data-driven decision making to build truly connected farms of the future, today.