The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly present in the daily life of agriculture. Many recent published studies revolve around the theme of precision agriculture and livestock farming, demonstrating how AI can promote alternatives and solutions to problems related to sustainability practices, disease control, productivity, animal welfare, and supply chain inefficiencies. These advances encourage us to explore how cutting-edge technology can contribute to all stages of production. In this article, we will emphasize broiler farming and the advances of artificial intelligence in the sector.<\/p>\n
Artificial intelligence in poultry farming has provided valuable information to poultry farmers and other professionals in the sector. This ranges from technologies already established in the daily operations of farms, such as temperature, humidity, and air quality sensors, to innovations that enable the automation of routine tasks through machine learning.machine learning<\/em>When properly structured, this feature allows for data collection through images or sensors that monitor positioning in real time. This information is sent to a central location, where it is processed and made available in reports accessible via applications, from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. In this way, it becomes possible to obtain filtered and specific information in real time, directly in the palm of your hand.<\/p>\n Before we delve into examples of new technologies, we need to understand what is... machine learning. <\/em>O Machine Learning<\/strong> <\/em>(or machine learning) is a branch of artificial intelligence that allows computer systems to learn and make decisions without the need for explicit programming. But this is only possible through the analysis of large volumes of data, where patterns are identified that allow predictions based on this information, through mathematical models and algorithms that automatically adjust as they receive new data.<\/p>\n Therefore, Artificial Intelligence in poultry farming seeks to create systems capable of performing tasks commonly attributed to human intelligence, such as reasoning, problem-solving, understanding natural language, pattern recognition, and decision-making. machine learning<\/strong><\/em>, In turn, this allows computers to learn and perform tasks without explicit instructions on how to do so. These tasks can include classification, prediction, and segmentation of unknown data. In the context of poultry farming, the machine learning<\/strong><\/em> It can be applied to predict disease outbreaks, optimize poultry feeding based on expected growth, and automate monitoring tasks using smart cameras and sensors.\u00a0<\/p>\n Among the practical examples, silo sensors stand out, allowing for precise control of feed stock, facilitating production planning, logistics, and the receipt of inputs. Another relevant innovation is the replacement of manual weighing of broiler chickens with virtual weighing. In this method, the animals are filmed, and the captured images are processed to estimate their weight automatically and accurately. <\/p>\n Weighing, a crucial parameter for the health, performance, and standardization of the batch, is a fundamental step in batch control and should be carried out at different stages of production. However, the traditional method requires the mobilization of trained personnel who need to capture and relocate the animals for weighing, which can cause stress and injury to the birds, as well as increase the risk of inaccuracies in the collected data, especially if sampling is not conducted correctly. Therefore, virtual weighing emerges as an innovative and efficient alternative, reducing the impact on the animals and ensuring greater accuracy in monitoring productive performance. Furthermore, the projection of weight and batch uniformity is essential information for slaughterhouses, as it facilitates the planning of the slaughter schedule.<\/p>\n In addition to real-time flock uniformity measurements, image sensors can identify reproductive behaviors and monitor animal welfare, which is an important factor for productivity. For example, another essential practice in poultry houses is the analysis of chicken feeding patterns, including the distribution of access to feed and water, as well as the distribution of heating in the early stages of chick development. With the aid of image monitoring, this data can be tracked remotely, eliminating the need for frequent entry into the poultry house. This not only minimizes interference with the birds' environment, reducing stress, but also allows for more precise and continuous control of rearing conditions.<\/p>\n However, the use of artificial intelligence in poultry farming<\/strong> This can raise questions about the accuracy of the results obtained from the data collected by the sensors. In this context, ongoing research, coupled with the continuous improvement of... machine learning<\/strong><\/em>, They play a fundamental role in making this technology a viable and accessible solution, helping producers and technicians to identify anomalies early and make assertive decisions. However, the full implementation of these technologies may face challenges with connectivity in the field due to digital infrastructure in some regions, requiring continuous investment to make the use of AI increasingly accessible, expanding its benefits to the entire production chain.<\/p>\n A OPTA<\/strong> It also stands out for its use of cutting-edge technology, based on innovative solutions, to drive the advancement of broiler farming. An example of this is the mathematical modeling of broiler growth, called BroilerOPT\u2122<\/strong>.<\/p>\n How it works BroilerOPT\u2122<\/strong> This is achieved by feeding the software with data collected on the farm or in field experiments, allowing for precise simulations and analyses. This tool plays a fundamental role in the sustainability of the sector, especially in scenarios of uncertainty and fluctuations in agricultural prices.<\/p>\n By utilizing nutritional values, ingredient costs, and zootechnical performance, the software transforms data into strategic information to optimize production. Furthermore, it provides estimates of carcass performance and yield, enabling the evaluation of different diet formulations to maximize contribution margin and improve productive efficiency.<\/p>\n Learn more about BroilerOPT\u2122<\/strong>Access the article!\u00a0\u201c"Feed costs for broiler chickens and growth curve, optimized with BroilerOPT\u2122 software"\u201d<\/a>\u00a0To obtain more information about the studies conducted with the software, please contact our consultants for further details.<\/p>\n