Page 15 - Australian Pork Newspaper

ADELAIDE | November 17-20, 2019
Precision Livestock Farming: building digital representations to bring animals closer to farmers
AT the 2019 Australa- sian Pig Science Asso- ciation Conference held in Adelaide, Asst Prof Tomás Norton gave an enthralling presentation on precision livestock farming during the Technology and Innova- tion Symposium.
Based at KU Leuven University in Belgium, Tomás’s research focuses on PLF applications, spe- cifically real-time model- ling and control of ani- mal bio-responses.
During his presentation, Tomás made it clear that producers are really try- ing to push the bounda- ries of efficiency in pig farming, but this usually has consequences on ani- mal welfare.
The big challenge for farmers appears to be sustainable intensifica- tion, with large numbers
of pigs often managed by a small number of stock- people.
Tomás’s theory involves using PLF to reduce con- sumption of resources and change the system to one of a circular economy or regenerative agricul- ture.
To do so, one must first create a worthwhile digital twin of the pig to monitor environment, bio-responses and pro- ductivity, support the farmer and improve sus- tainability.
New technology such as 3D cameras to be used for automated weighing pre- sent a progressive option to minimise pig stress and producer labour, es- tablishing the first part of digital twinning.
State-of-the-art intel- ligent precision feeding solutions are the next
step, allowing for precise weight control without an oversupply of nutrients.
The second phase of digital twinning involves vocalisation monitoring for health and welfare us- ing high-tech hardware and algorithms to deter- mine the welfare status of the pig.
Phase three moves to video monitoring of pig behaviour incorporating deep learning, opening the door for the poten- tial to learn about aggres- sion through the location, types and intensity of in- teractions.
Using complex comput- ing and algorithms it’s possible for the cameras and computers to work to- gether to track aggressive pigs after their interactions and subsequently allow the farmer to take action.
The fourth phase of
digital twinning is physi- ological monitoring of affective states through non-invasive means such as accelerometers, heart rate belts and video cam- eras.
To build the complete digital twin and bring all the phases together, we need a data integration and visualisation plat- form and this is some- thing in the works, with Tomás stating we should watch this space.
Some questions sur- rounding PLF remain, including the idea that it could be driving farm- ing towards greater levels of industrialisation and it could make farmers less capable.
Tomás knows these challenges and suggests PLF can be part of the system rethink and states farmers and caretakers
need to be upskilled to make the most of the PLF system.
As for the question of whether PLF will make money for the farmer, Tomás simply suggests updated business mod- els and engagement are needed.
Tomás concluded by noting the following points:
• PLF is not about devel- oping ‘gadgets for farmers’ – we can use it to tackle the rebound effects in our efficiency push.
• Digital twinning is far more complex than in in- dustry, but it can enable more flexibility in more sophisticated farming systems.
• Efficient implementa- tion of PLF needs collab- oration between research- ers, farmers, industry and stakeholders!
Asst Prof Tomás Norton
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Trey Flower of Tenderspot Quality Meats, Broome was AMIC WA Apprentice of the Year.
Training time all the time at Western Meat Packers Group
☛ from P1
industry.
“The meat industry
is now absolutely qual- ity driven and knowledge based in the workplace, on the shop floor and in domestic and commercial kitchens and this necessi- tates acquiring high-level skills and committing to all of career learning at the processor level to de- liver a fine meat product,” he said.
“At Western Meat Pack- ers we encourage staff de- velopment and regularly support employees to fur- ther their skills through training, which is why we were delighted to offer our modern boning room facility and meat product when invited by AMIC.
“Aside from cutting and boning skills, we also prioritise safety and con- tinuously strive to ensure occupational health and safety requirements are adhered to, hence we re- cently put several employ- ees through emergency first aid training and fire warden training, for ex- ample.
“Also, as a culturally diverse company, West- www.porknews.com.au
ern Meat Packers ensures equal opportunities in recruitment, training and development.
“We are excited to be making significant chang- es and improvements to all areas of our business, including production, QA, human resources and safety, while creating ex- citing and innovative ways of working as we strive to be an employer of choice.”
WMPG has a QA team of six, with a new QA manager recently coming on board.
The QA team is work- ing on updating current systems and staff.
The company’s recent workplace initiatives had been favourably noticed by auditors and custom- ers, according to Mr Fuda.
“We have received very positive feedback and this is encouraging in such a period of change,” Mr Fuda said.
“Worker morale at the Osborne Park site has benefitted from the initia- tives, while product integ- rity has been maintained throughout production and verified regularly by the QA team.
The site is currently cer- tified for organic (includ- ing the National Organic Program), export accredita- tion, halal, HACCP, SQF, Woolworths, Coles supplier approved, AUSMEAT and A ACA and has an ongo- ing relationship with the Department of Agriculture, whose representatives are regularly on site where they hold weekly meetings and monthly audits.
WMPG’s recent train- ing emphasis has included having key members from across various depart- ments attend the AUS- MEAT Beef & Lamb Specification courses.
The four apprentices as- sessed at WMPG for the AMIC Apprentice of the Year were Liam Maclen- nan, The Corner Butcher, Morley; Trey Flower, Ten- derspot Quality Meats, Broome; Shannon Tel- fer, Continental Meat Supply, Hamilton Hill; and Jesse Rausch, Rump- shakers, Southern River.
Trey Flower was AMIC WA Apprentice of the Year.
He now goes to the na- tionals in February.
www.wmpg.com.au
Australian Pork Newspaper, January 2020 – Page 15