Project

Contact: Dr. agr. Christian Manteuffel

Duration: 2023-2026

Funding: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE)

Abstract:

Agonistic interactions involve an increased risk of injury especially in horned goats. Deep wounds and fatal injuries are not uncommon. Attentive animal observation and, if necessary, prompt intervention by the stable staff therefore play a decisive role for good animal health and welfare. However, animal observation is a major hurdle for animal keepers due to time constraints and thus for economic reasons. The aim of this project is therefore to automate the process of herd monitoring with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), to signal conspicuous animal behaviour to the keeper and to automatically document the events. This provides farmers, but also advisors and veterinarians, with a tool that enables them to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of measures to reduce the risk of injury. In this sense, the planned system represents a procedure for monitoring, evaluating and improving the animal welfare of housing environments. The effectiveness of the behavioural assessment and its practical usefulness will be tested on German farms during the project.