Sainsbury’s has become the first retailer in the world to invest in new AI veterinary technology used to measure and enhance positive animal welfare on dairy farms.
The tech, which the grocer said could “revolutionise” cattle care, is being trialled in partnership with Vet Vision AI – a new spinout company from the University of Nottingham.
It has been designed to spot when cows are happy and healthy, and why, with the cows monitored through low cost and portable cameras that can be used by vets on multiple farms.
The AI works by recognising patterns in behaviour, analysing and turning video footage into real-time, accurate data, while also offering farmers suggestions on ways to further improve the animals’ lifestyles.
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Examples of this include housing improvements for better comfort and animal engagement, and providing enrichment such as cow brushes similar to a back scratcher to reduce stress.
Sainsbury’s said that the ability for round-the-clock monitoring will enable better informed decision making, as farmers will have unique insights into cow welfare that they may not be able to identify with standard vet visits, such as identifying diseases early.
The continuous analysis of behaviour will also allow for a ‘test and learn’ approach to the suggested welfare tactics.
Currently used on 30 of Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group farms, the aim is to roll out the technology further next year.
Sainsbury’s vet and agriculture manager Dr Matt Turner said: “Investing in British farming and continuously improving animal health and welfare are key priorities for us and this innovative new technology will mean we can help both farmer and animal.
“Our dairy farmers that are using the technology are already seeing real benefits and we look forward to expanding it to our wider network of Dairy Development Group farms soon.”
