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, tracking mobility and body condition scoring over time to give farmers objective, consistent data on the wellbeing of their herd.
The tools also monitor the cow’s behaviour including lying time, feeding time, social interactions and mobility to generate a ‘cow comfort score’ which supports vets in their assessment of individual cow’s health. The cameras will assess body condition scoring to assess cows’ nutritional status over time.
This is being rolled out following trials at a selection of M&S dairy farms, where farmers used the technology to make changes to tailor care to individual cow’s needs, the retailer said.
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.
The retailer also revealed that feeding schedules have been adapted to reduce the amount of time cows spend standing and the design of some stalls has been adapted to improve cow comfort.
The supermarket chain said that regular, in person, welfare checks by independent vets will be enhanced by this daily monitoring of dairy cows.
Terry Canning, CEO of Cattle Eye, the AI herd monitoring company, said: “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: “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.”
Jenny Allan, Map of Ag Veterinary consultant: “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.”
M&S said it has invested more than £7m over the last decade in supporting farmers with “agricultural innovation” and highlighted that a further £7m is available over the next five years.
