The tools use cameras to capture footage of dairy cows when they are indoors, which is then analysed using an algorithm trained alongside vets to monitor welfare of dairy cows in real time.
The technology uses AI-powered video analytics to build an individual health profile for each animal, said M&S, tracking mobility and body condition scoring over time with the aim to give farmers objective, consistent data on the wellbeing of their herd. The tools monitor the cow’s behaviour including lying time, feeding time, social interactions and mobility to generate a ‘cow comfort score’ which is intended to support vets in their assessment of individual cow’s health.
Regular, in person, welfare checks by independent vets will be “enhanced” by this daily monitoring of dairy cows, said M&S. The cameras will assess body condition scoring to assess cows’ nutritional status over time.
Terry Canning, CEO of Cattle Eye, commented: “Changes in body condition are early indicators of metabolic health, fertility, and overall wellbeing. Tracking those changes more regularly, across every cow, gives farmers a level of insight that was previously unavailable outside research environments.”
Peter Kennedy, head of Agriculture at M&S Food, said: “M&S has always had market-leading welfare standards, and as we continue to support British farmers in this latest evolution of welfare monitoring, powered by AI, it will support farmers to give the best care to dairy cows. This latest innovation supports our Plan A for Farming to build resilience in British farming and continue to raise the bar on animal welfare.”
“Deploying AI welfare monitoring across an entire supply chain is a first.”
Jenny Allan, Map of Ag Veterinary consultant, stated: “M&S has had a longstanding focus on animal health and welfare, which has been in place for more than 15 years. Going forwards AI technology will enable real-time cow comfort and health parameters to be monitored, providing valuable insights across 46 farms.”
Canning continued: “M&S has set a standard that the rest of the industry will be measured against. Deploying AI welfare monitoring across an entire supply chain is a first. This means we can give farmers and consumers peace of mind that productive herds can be healthy herds.”
M&S said the AI tools were being rolled out following trials at a selection of M&S dairy farms, where farmers have used the technology to make changes to tailor care to individual cow’s needs.
According to the retailer, by measuring lying times, farmers have made changes to the bedding of individual cows to improve their comfort based on their specific size and shape. Feeding schedules have also been adapted to reduce the amount of time cows spend standing and the design of some stalls has been adapted to improve cow comfort.
