Use of Artificial Intelligence in Animal Production Systems

• Grant number: 25/01580-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Production
• Principal Investigator: Flávio Augusto Portela Santos
• Grantee: Flávio Augusto Portela Santos
• Visiting researcher: Joao Ricardo Reboucas Dorea
• Visiting researcher institution: University Of Wisconsin-Madison/Uw, United States
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This proposal requests a visiting researcher position for Professor João Dórea (University of Wisconsin-Madison), who plans to undertake a sabbatical at the University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP). During his stay, he will collaborate with Professor Flávio Santos and CCARBON to conduct research integrating computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI), and environmental data analysis. Focused on tropical agricultural systems, his work aims to monitor animal and plant growth in confined and grazing environments. Dórea's expertise in 2D and 3D imaging for assessing livestock growth, body conformation, and tissue development will be adapted to tropical conditions. His previous U.S. research demonstrated computer vision tools' efficacy in evaluating calf development and predicting performance. In Brazil, Dr. Dórea aims on developing research on AI-driven systems to track feeding behavior, diet factors, and thermal stress via respiration and behavior analysis. Dr. Dórea also aims on using hyperspectral imaging from drones/satellites to predict aboveground biomass and correlate vegetation indices with soil health, including nematode populations, enhancing understanding of plant-animal-soil interactions. By linking plant data with animal metrics, the research seeks to optimize pasture management, feeding efficiency, and heat stress mitigation. Additionally, Dórea will teach a course on "Digital Technologies for Animal Monitoring," offering hands-on training in AI technologies including computer vision, natural language processing, and infrared spectroscopy. The course, split into late 2025 and early 2026, aims to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration in precision livestock farming, equipping students with skills for real-world agricultural challenges. (AU)