Project
Collaborating with researchers in biometrics
Within the Data and Models theme of NLAS, researchers collaborate with experts in biometrics to use their scientific knowlegde on efficiently merging, processing and analysing large, sensor-based data sets, and applying AI algorithms such as machine and deep learning methods in the field of animal welfare research. With their help, NLAS researchers build on critical mass in the field of data analysis.
Collaborating with biometrics researchers gives NLAS research the opportunity to use the expertise of a specialized research group within WUR. Working together will allow studies on animal welfare to progress faster and further. It helps to develop new knowledge, generate more -depth analyses, and increase this research's output and scientific quality. The researchers share their obtained knowledge within the animal sciences in different ways via events and lectures, an MSc course and guest lectures.
Progress (September 2022)
The researchers collaborate with researchers in biometrics for currently running projects where data are collected via multiple sensors, including "Health and welfare monitoring of calves", “Improving animal welfare and sustainability in pig production by sensor-based lighting systems” and “Automatic welfare monitoring system for growing-finishing pigs and sows based on individual feeding patterns” for the next three years. In the latter project, researchers study the first basal individual feeding patterns of pigs and how they vary among individuals and over time. This information is required to automatically detect deviations in feeding patterns that are indicative of animal welfare issues.
The researchers also explore further collaboration in future projects.