International exchange for the development of precision livestock farming programming

• Grant number: 22/00647-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2022
• End date: April 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agricultural Engineering - Rural Buildings and Ambience
• Agreement: University of Nebraska - Lincoln
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Késia Oliveira da Silva Miranda
• Grantee: Késia Oliveira da Silva Miranda
• Principal researcher abroad: Tami M. Brown-Brandl
• Institution abroad: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), United States
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/07127-2 - Image and sound processing applied to precision animal management, AP.R

Abstract

There is increased pressure to improve the sustainability of animal production. New approaches should be considered to ensure sustainability. Two interlinked and pivotal components of sustainability are worker effectiveness and animal well-being. It is essential to maintain animal well-being and production at adequate standards. Therefore, it is critical to identify animal well-being concerns early. Traditional management involves a producer/animal caretaker manual collecting animal information daily. However, increased herd size has made it challenging to ensure the health and well-being of all animals within the facility. Therefore, there is a need to develop automated solutions to identify livestock's health, well-being, and growth parameters. Precision livestock farming (PLF) is a new field of research in which automated sensor systems automatically capture and process animal information to aid the animal caretaker. There is an increased effort worldwide to develop new PLF tools. However, there is a need to develop more professionals in this area. Therefore, we must share the knowledge between universities and provide opportunities for students. The project's overall goal is to further develop collaboration between UNL and ESALQ, by sharing lectures, exchange opportunities, and workshops. It is expected that students in this exchange will gain the skills to develop and test new PLF techniques. This proposal will foster closer international cooperation among institutions in alignment with the goal for internationalization by both USP and UNL. The collaboration involves research discussion, student exchange, and workshops. During exchanges, meetings will be held to discuss ongoing research projects, develop new proposals, and aid students in writing manuscripts (to be submitted to high-impact journals). Opportunities for student to present their research and to learn from other professionals will be provided a regional workshop held in Brazil. (AU)