Sainsbury’s pioneers AI veterinary tech from Nottingham spinout

Sainsbury’s has made an interesting move by becoming the first retailer globally to invest in cutting-edge AI veterinary technology aimed at enhancing animal welfare on dairy farms. This innovation, developed by Vet Vision AI, a spinout from the University of Nottingham, promises to transform cattle care by providing unprecedented insights into animal well-being.

In collaboration with Vet Vision AI, Sainsbury’s is trialling this advanced technology designed to monitor the health and happiness of cows. Utilizing affordable and portable cameras, vets can deploy these systems across multiple farms to gather real-time data on cattle behavior. The AI system analyzes video footage, recognizing behavioral patterns and offering farmers actionable suggestions to improve animal lifestyles. These recommendations range from housing enhancements for comfort to enrichment tools like cow brushes to reduce stress.

Dr. Matt Turner, Vet and Agriculture Manager at Sainsbury’s, emphasized the benefits of this technology, stating, “Investing in British farming and continuously improving animal health and welfare are key priorities for us. This innovative new technology will mean we can help both farmer and animal.” He highlighted that farmers using the technology are already witnessing significant advantages, with plans to extend its use across the Dairy Development Group (SDDG) farms.

The continuous monitoring provided by the AI enables farmers to make informed decisions based on unique insights into cow welfare that traditional vet visits might miss. This ‘test and learn’ approach allows for ongoing assessment and refinement of welfare tactics, ultimately leading to healthier and more productive cows. For instance, improved cow comfort through increased lying time can result in better leg health and higher milk production.

Dr. Tom Angel, Veterinary Surgeon at Synergy Farm Health, noted the system’s capability to identify positive welfare indicators such as increased lying times and cow comfort, as well as areas needing improvement. He said, “Vet Vision AI has allowed us to objectively reveal how animals respond positively to environmental and management changes.”

Dave Bacon, a dairy farmer at Gleadthorpe Farm, shared his experience: “Using Vet Vision AI, we measured how comfort levels improved after upgrading our housing and installing new cow mattresses. Knowing my cows are more comfortable means I can feel confident the investment was worth it.”

Currently, this technology is being tested on 30 SDDG farms, with a broader rollout planned for next year. The SDDG, established in 2007, includes around 170 farms supplying Sainsbury’s own brand milk, underscoring the retailer’s commitment to supporting farmers and advancing animal welfare.

Image from Nottingham university.