Tom Tabler
Papers
5
Total Citations
41
H-Index
4
About
Tom Tabler is a poultry science researcher whose work centers on broiler production, animal welfare, and the integration of emerging technologies into commercial poultry housing systems. His research has made meaningful contributions to understanding how automated and robotic systems can improve both production efficiency and bird welfare in modern broiler operations. Tabler's most influential work explores the use of elevated perching platforms and robotic vehicles in broiler housing, demonstrating that these technologies — when used in combination — can measurably reduce litter moisture, lower ammonia concentrations, and improve paw quality and plumage cleanliness. His most-cited paper (18 citations) provides compelling evidence that environmental enrichment tools can deliver tangible welfare and production benefits simultaneously. Equally notable is Tabler's systematic investigation of broiler behavioral responses to automated systems, including comparative studies of avoidance distances between birds exposed to humans versus robotic vehicles. His findings suggest that properly operated robots do not induce greater fear responses than human handlers, a reassuring insight for the industry's growing adoption of automation. Across his body of work, Tabler bridges animal behavior science and agricultural engineering, offering practical, evidence-based guidance for poultry producers navigating the transition toward smarter, more humane production systems.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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