Researchers at the University of Florida have created an AI system capable of detecting pain in goats by analyzing their facial expressions, achieving an accuracy of up to 80%.
This breakthrough has the potential to transform both animal welfare and human healthcare, especially for patients who are unable to verbally express their discomfort.
This technology has the potential to revolutionize both veterinary care and farming practices. For farmers, early pain detection can enhance animal welfare and productivity, as animals experiencing pain often gain weight less effectively.
Researchers believe this technology could ultimately assist in assessing pain in human patients who struggle to communicate effectively, such as young children. The team aims to broaden the dataset to encompass a wider variety of animals and potentially other species.
An AI-based system for detecting pain in livestock offers significant advantages for African farmers whose livelihoods hinge on animal rearing. By analyzing facial expressions and behaviors, this technology can identify signs of discomfort in animals, enabling timely interventions that improve animal welfare and health. Overall, this innovation holds the potential to transform farming practices, ensuring healthier animals and improving the economic stability of farmers across the continent.
