Human-computer interactions with farm animals-enhancing welfare through precision livestock farming and artificial...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Animal Welfare Science
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• User-centered design from Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has improved welfare for companion, service, and zoo animals.
• Application of HCI and Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI) in farm animal settings is limited, despite its potential.
• A gap exists in adapting HCI and ACI (collectively HACI) for dairy cows, swine, and poultry welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of HACI within precision livestock farming (PLF) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance individual farm animal welfare.
• To advocate for a paradigm shift from productivity-focused to animal-centered farming methods.
• To highlight the benefits of integrating animal-centered technologies within the 'One Welfare' framework.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current HACI applications in livestock.
• Analysis of challenges and opportunities for HACI in PLF and AI.
• Incorporation of insights from a dedicated workshop on advancing HACI for farm animal welfare.

Main Results:

• HACI technologies offer significant potential to improve individual animal welfare in dairy cows, swine, and poultry.
• Transitioning to animal-centered farming, supported by HACI, is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
• Integrating HACI aligns animal well-being with societal, environmental, and economic benefits.

Conclusions:

• HACI represents a promising frontier for enhancing farm animal welfare within precision livestock farming.
• A shift towards animal-centered practices, enabled by HACI, is essential for sustainable and ethical farming.
• The 'One Welfare' approach underscores the interconnected benefits of advanced HACI for animals, farmers, and society.