Novel animal-mounted sensor technology to improve efficiency and sustainability
Lead Research Organisation:
Scotland's Rural College
Department Name: Research
Abstract
In the UK, the average herd size and animal to stockman ratio is increasing within the beef and dairy sectors, thus the time devoted to monitoring of individual animals is reducing. In order to optimise the production efficiency of the UK livestock sector, there is a requirement for the development and use of cost-effective animal monitoring solutions to inform on the health and productive status of individual animals.
Dystocia is a considerable problem within beef and dairy systems causing the cow considerable pain. Prevalences of up to 22.6% in dairy cattle and 6% in beef cattle have been reported, with as many as 51% or dairy calvings and 34% of beef calvings requiring some level of assistance. The costs associated with mild and severe cases of dystocia in the dairy herds have been estimated as between £110 and £400 due to milk loss, increased days open, increased numbers of services, premature culling of loss of cows and lost calves. Timely intervention on difficult calving's can significantly reduce calf mortality, uterine infections post-partum and calving to conception interval compared with unassisted calving . Thus the development of methods to automatically predict calving onset and identify problematic calvings is important to facilitate timely and appropriate interventions.
A number of physiological and behavioural changes occur around calving which offer opportunities for the prediction of calving onset. Despite the possibility of using ability of hormonal changes as indicators to be used for prediction of calving, the variable accuracy of these, figures and need for invasive nature of blood sampling to detect changes in hormones limits its usefulness as a method of automatic dystocia prediction. Reductions in body temperature occur on the day of calving compared with 2-3 days before calving but high variations in temperature change between individual animals and possible impacts of pyrexia limit the predictive power of temperature alone.
The non-invasive nature of behavioural observations and the availability of a number of sensors on the market or near to market designed to monitor different elements of cattle behaviour provides opportunities for translation of current behavioural and technology validation research into a multi-sensor platform for the prediction of calving onset and calving difficulties. Lying and standing behaviour, eating and rumination patterns, social behaviour and tail raising events are known to change during the 24 hours prior to calving This study will assist in translating a range of behavioural research and technical knowledge into a potential early warning system for calving and dystocia. It will assess a number of technologies on the market or near-to-market for related and other uses (e.g. detection of oestrus) for their capabilities in the detection of calving and dystocia. The use of combined technologies is likely to result in increased accuracy of decision making algorithms and will therefore provide added value to the end user. The availability of early detection and alerts for parturition/dystocia will enable farmers to intervene in a timely manner to prevent the losses associated with dystocia, thus optimising the economic and production efficiency of their business. The prevention of pain and suffering for both the dam and calf aligns clearly with the BBSRC animal welfare strategies. The development of appropriate early warning systems is key to maximising the sustainability of UK and global agriculture.
Dystocia is a considerable problem within beef and dairy systems causing the cow considerable pain. Prevalences of up to 22.6% in dairy cattle and 6% in beef cattle have been reported, with as many as 51% or dairy calvings and 34% of beef calvings requiring some level of assistance. The costs associated with mild and severe cases of dystocia in the dairy herds have been estimated as between £110 and £400 due to milk loss, increased days open, increased numbers of services, premature culling of loss of cows and lost calves. Timely intervention on difficult calving's can significantly reduce calf mortality, uterine infections post-partum and calving to conception interval compared with unassisted calving . Thus the development of methods to automatically predict calving onset and identify problematic calvings is important to facilitate timely and appropriate interventions.
A number of physiological and behavioural changes occur around calving which offer opportunities for the prediction of calving onset. Despite the possibility of using ability of hormonal changes as indicators to be used for prediction of calving, the variable accuracy of these, figures and need for invasive nature of blood sampling to detect changes in hormones limits its usefulness as a method of automatic dystocia prediction. Reductions in body temperature occur on the day of calving compared with 2-3 days before calving but high variations in temperature change between individual animals and possible impacts of pyrexia limit the predictive power of temperature alone.
The non-invasive nature of behavioural observations and the availability of a number of sensors on the market or near to market designed to monitor different elements of cattle behaviour provides opportunities for translation of current behavioural and technology validation research into a multi-sensor platform for the prediction of calving onset and calving difficulties. Lying and standing behaviour, eating and rumination patterns, social behaviour and tail raising events are known to change during the 24 hours prior to calving This study will assist in translating a range of behavioural research and technical knowledge into a potential early warning system for calving and dystocia. It will assess a number of technologies on the market or near-to-market for related and other uses (e.g. detection of oestrus) for their capabilities in the detection of calving and dystocia. The use of combined technologies is likely to result in increased accuracy of decision making algorithms and will therefore provide added value to the end user. The availability of early detection and alerts for parturition/dystocia will enable farmers to intervene in a timely manner to prevent the losses associated with dystocia, thus optimising the economic and production efficiency of their business. The prevention of pain and suffering for both the dam and calf aligns clearly with the BBSRC animal welfare strategies. The development of appropriate early warning systems is key to maximising the sustainability of UK and global agriculture.
Planned Impact
The following areas will benefit from the proposed research:
1. UK beef and dairy producers
a. The proposed system will allow farmers to identify issues with calving, and optimise interventions, thereby reducing the risk of dystocia and the related economic losses. This will allow for informed interventions to increase the overall efficiency of their production unit.
b. As the UK commercial partners will have first access to the technology they will be the first to benefit. Reducing farm costs should increase the competitiveness of the UK dairy (a nationally important current issue) and beef industry and make their products more competitive against foreign competitors.
2. The UK
a. The technological systems proposed will enhance the economic efficiency of the UK beef and dairy sector, thus increasing the competitiveness over imported products and guaranteeing the sustainability of the UK beef and dairy industry.
b. Reduced production costs and efficient production methods by reducing dam health risk and increasing percentage of successful calvings, could enhance the reputation of UK beef and dairy products and increase the value of UK exports.
c. There will be a reduced environmental footprint from more efficient production, improved health and welfare, reduced losses (yields and mortality) and optimal use of farm resources.
d. Greenhouse gas output will be reduced through more efficient production.
e. Increasing the profitability of the UK beef and dairy sectors will lead to social benefits including enhanced rural employment.
3. Animal welfare
a. Increased monitoring of individual animals will allow for more timely health interventions. Therefore, the use of this system will allow for calving difficulties to be detected sooner, thus reducing losses (through reduced productivity of cows, calf mortality), reduced suffering, improved health and welfare of individual animals
1. UK beef and dairy producers
a. The proposed system will allow farmers to identify issues with calving, and optimise interventions, thereby reducing the risk of dystocia and the related economic losses. This will allow for informed interventions to increase the overall efficiency of their production unit.
b. As the UK commercial partners will have first access to the technology they will be the first to benefit. Reducing farm costs should increase the competitiveness of the UK dairy (a nationally important current issue) and beef industry and make their products more competitive against foreign competitors.
2. The UK
a. The technological systems proposed will enhance the economic efficiency of the UK beef and dairy sector, thus increasing the competitiveness over imported products and guaranteeing the sustainability of the UK beef and dairy industry.
b. Reduced production costs and efficient production methods by reducing dam health risk and increasing percentage of successful calvings, could enhance the reputation of UK beef and dairy products and increase the value of UK exports.
c. There will be a reduced environmental footprint from more efficient production, improved health and welfare, reduced losses (yields and mortality) and optimal use of farm resources.
d. Greenhouse gas output will be reduced through more efficient production.
e. Increasing the profitability of the UK beef and dairy sectors will lead to social benefits including enhanced rural employment.
3. Animal welfare
a. Increased monitoring of individual animals will allow for more timely health interventions. Therefore, the use of this system will allow for calving difficulties to be detected sooner, thus reducing losses (through reduced productivity of cows, calf mortality), reduced suffering, improved health and welfare of individual animals
Publications
Bowen JM
(2021)
Early prediction of respiratory disease in preweaning dairy calves using feeding and activity behaviors.
in Journal of dairy science
Michie C
(2020)
The Internet of Things enhancing animal welfare and farm operational efficiency.
in The Journal of dairy research
Miller GA
(2020)
Using animal-mounted sensor technology and machine learning to predict time-to-calving in beef and dairy cows.
in Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience
Description | Introduction In the UK, the average herd size and animal to stockman ratio is increasing within the beef and dairy sectors, thus the time devoted to monitoring of individual animals is reducing. In order to optimise the production efficiency of the UK livestock sector, there is a requirement for the development and use of cost-effective animal monitoring solutions to inform on the health and productive status of individual animals. The non-invasive nature of behavioural observations and the availability of a number of sensors on the market, or near to market, designed to monitor different elements of cattle behaviour provides opportunities for translation of current behavioural and technology validation research into a multi-sensor platform for the prediction of calving onset and calving difficulties. Lying and standing behaviour, eating and rumination patterns, social behaviour and tail raising events are known to change during the 24 hours prior to calving. The project has tested a commercially available sensor system (SHM) provided by Afimilk, a near-to-market solution (TMA) provided by the University of Strathclyde alongside a multi-sensor system (OMS) provided by Omnisense which is much further from market. This multi-system approach has allowed for both the individual and integrated assessment (using advanced machine learning approaches to data analyses) of commercial and near-to-market data outputs (SHM and TMA) provided by each stakeholder which are easily implemented in a commercial setting, but also an assessment of the usefulness of using raw sensor (OMS) data in predicting calving. The project has provided recommendations for use of these sensor systems, and further work is required to optimise the predictive capability. Key outputs are defined below: 1) Analysis of the SHM and TMA datastreams has demonstrated the good predictive ability of these systems individually in the 6 hrs preceding calving, but there was no benefit of combined datastreams from within or between these systems. 2) Work by staff at Writtle University College and the University of Essex using the raw outputs from the OMS sensor system has indicated the potential for using raw data (instead of commercial outputs for activity, feeding behaviour and tail raise events) to predict both calving and dystocia much earlier (days rather than hours) than can currently be achieved using commercial outputs. This system is much further from market, data analysis at this stage is preliminary and thus considerable work is required to validate the findings from this project, optimise the practical application of the system for commercial use, and optimise the data presentation to the end-user (farmer). 3) Increasing the accuracy of prediction, and the identification of calving earlier will likely required more advanced bio-sensing as they become available (physiology parameters such as heart-rate variability) and postural measures (evidence from PhD student work at SRUC has indicated postural changes that are associated with dystocia). |
Exploitation Route | As dystocia is a major economic and welfare issue across the dairy and beef sectors, there is great need to develop a technological solution to identify the calving process and identify difficult calvings such that timely interventions can be performed. This work involved commercially available systems and near-to-market solutions, which demonstrated good predictive ability. Therefore these companies are looking to move towards a commercially available system for this specific purpose. From a research perspective this informs on future work in this area, and the academics (collaboration across 3 academic institutes) are looking for further funding in this area. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink |
Description | The objective of the current research was to identify whether commercially available and near to market solutions (which have been developed for purposes other than calving) can be used alone or in combination to detect the calving process and dystocia. The outputs identified that commercial technologies, and near-to-market technologies were indeed useful in identifying calving across both beef and dairy cattle. The project was supported by industry and they are now interested in using this data to generate commercial solutions for this specific purpose. Although not commercially available yet. |
First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
Impact Types | Societal Economic |
Description | D-FLOWS: Data For Livestock Optimisations for Wiser Supply chains |
Amount | £197,500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 10006488 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2022 |
End | 06/2023 |
Description | Identifying research priorities for the use of Agri-tech to improve productivity efficiency and sustainability in beef & sheep livestock production systems |
Amount | £9,949 (GBP) |
Organisation | Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutes Gateway |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Start | 02/2020 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | OPTI-BEEF: Precision agricultural solution to monitor lifetime productivity and product quality |
Amount | £1,275,293 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 105146 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2019 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) Technologies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Intensity of Pasture-based Cattle Systems |
Amount | £250,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2019 |
End | 09/2022 |
Description | SEFARI Fellowship with Life Sciences Scotland Industry Leadership Group - Animal Health, Agritech and Aquaculture sub-group |
Amount | £14,296 (GBP) |
Organisation | Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutes Gateway |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Start | 01/2021 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | WELL-CALF: Precision agricultural solution to improve health and productivity across the dairy-beef sector |
Amount | £743,953 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 105143 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2019 |
End | 04/2021 |
Description | Agri-EPI Centre Ltd |
Organisation | Cranfield University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Successfuly bid for one of the new UK Centres for Agricultural Innovation |
Collaborator Contribution | Jont lead |
Impact | None yet |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Agri-EPI Centre Ltd |
Organisation | Harper Adams University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Assimilated into a joint bid for funding into the UK Centres of Agriculural Innovation call and were successful |
Collaborator Contribution | Joint leads |
Impact | None yet |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | University of Essex |
Organisation | University of Essex |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | A direct result of this grant has allowed a new collaboration between ourselves (SRUC) and Essex University . Each bring different skills to a multidisciplinary collaboration important in solving important challenges across the beef and dairy sectors - specifically losses around poor calving's. This has allowed for the integration of different technologies, which would not have occurred without this new working relationship. The research team at SRUC have contributed long-standing skills in the use of animal-mounted sensors (in this case specifically related to accelerometry) in predicting important features of the animal (activity monitoring, feeding behaviours, tail raise behaviours). SRUC have facilitated the involvement of commercial company afimilk whom SRUC have a long-standing history in working with to develop the silent herdsman platform. SRUC have also provided access to their state-of-the art research farm facilities and research/technical expertise. |
Collaborator Contribution | Professor Edward Codling brings mathematics and modelling expertise using sensor data to the project team which will assist with the predictive modelling of integrated multiple sensor data streams. |
Impact | The project is currently at an early stage with promising results. However these are not yet ready for wider dissemination. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Writtle University College |
Organisation | Writtle College |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | A direct result of this grant has allowed a new collaboration between ourselves (SRUC) and Writtle University College. Each bring skills associated with different technologies and a common interest in solving important challenges across the beef and dairy sectors - specifically losses around poor calving's. This has allowed for the integration of different technologies, which would not have occurred without this new working relationship. The research team at SRUC have contributed long-standing skills in the use of animal-mounted sensors (in this case specifically related to accelerometry) in predicting important features of the animal (activity monitoring, feeding behaviours, tail raise behaviours). SRUC have facilitated the involvement of commercial company afimilk whom SRUC have a long-standing history in working with to develop the silent herdsman platform. SRUC have also provided access to their state-of-the art research farm facilities and research/technical expertise. |
Collaborator Contribution | The research team at Writtle university college have provided expertise in the area of positional location and have facilitated the involvement of commercial company Omnisense who have provided access to their multi-sensor technology platform. The integration of multiple data streams from different platforms (Omnisense and Afimilk) are being used to improve and optimise our predictions of calving to overcome the huge losses we see at calving. Writtle university college have provided access to a commercial dairy unit for testing of the multi-sensor platform. |
Impact | This research project is in the early stages with promising results. However, these are not ready for wider dissemination. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AHDB (agriculture and horticulture development board) visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Visit of members of the AHDB Board to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research and facilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | AgResearch Scientists - Tour of facilities |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Visit of members of the AgResearch Scientists (from New Zealand) to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research and facilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Agritours visit to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre - virginiatech students |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Visit to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre for undergraduate students from virginiatech to understand SRUCs research activity in beef and sheep production systems. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Attendance at NFUS Livestock Committee |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Attendance at NFUS Livestock Committee to discuss current research at SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | CIEL and Department of International Trade - Visit to SRUC's Beef and Research Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Visit of members of CIEL (centre for innovation and excellence in livestock) and the department of international trade to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research and facilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Crowder College, USA Student visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Visit of Crowder College Students to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research and facilities - part of a UK-wide study tour. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | DEFRA Deputy Minister Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Visit of DEFRA deputy minister to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research and facilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Visit of Department of Agricutlture, Environment and Rural Affairs to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research and facilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Host - visitors from ICAR (International Committee for Animal Recording) conference to SRUC to dicuss Precision tools for livestock producers - 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Hosted a visit for delegates of the International committee on animal recording (ICAR) to demonstrate and discuss and present the precision livestock farming developments taking place at SRUC. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Interview with reporter (Western Poducer, Canada) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Visit and Interview for Western Producer, Canada's largest farm newspaper. Barbara Duckworth (reporter) prepared a news article following discussions with Carol-Anne Duthie titled "Data used to help producers select for efficiency". |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invitation to presenting to QMS sheep strategy group and board member meetings |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Presentation of SRUC's research activity, particularly in precision livestock farming to both QMS sheep strategy group and board members. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invited conference speaker - European Association of Animal Production 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | An invited talk was presented to the precision livestock farming session at the European Association of Animal Production (EAAP) in Tallin, Estonia 2017. This provided an international platform to present SRUC's research activity in the development and application of precision tools for the ruminant sector. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invited talk for Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) event: Emerging Imaging Technologies in Agri-Food Workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | KTN organised a workshop in January 2018 to bring together experts from the imaging and agri-food sectors to discuss industry needs, technological gaps and potential opportunities for emerging imaging technologies in agri-food. In addition to participation in this workshop, Carol-Anne Duthie presented SRUC's research in the development and application of precision tools for the livestock sector (ruminant and monogastrics). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Involvedment in Innovate UK's expert mission in agritech to new zealand |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Carol-Anne Duthie joined a small delegation organised by KTN with funding from Innovate UK to understand the research landscape in new Zealand, challenges in agriculture within new zealand and opportunities for collaborations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Membership of KTN's Livestock Advisory Board |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Carol-Anne Duthie, Joined KTN's Animal Sector Advisory Board. Activity includes participation in quarterly board meetings and presentation to the board on key areas of research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Open day with Defra Colleagues |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Formal event with colleagues from Defra, where modelling activities associated with precision livestock farming technology was presented to Defra (Holly Ferguson, Carol-Anne Duthie), 14th and 15th November 2022. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Participation - Workshop on Data flow from livestock sensors to improve meat safety, animal health and welfare and productivity |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | FSA organised event (invite only). Participated in engaging discussions to (I) identifying what combination of parameters would give the best predictive power about the health status of an animal, e.g. to allow targeted interventions by abattoir managers and officials. Understanding current methods of detection for the parameters identified, with a particular focus on sensor and data analysis technologies, but also exploring other relevant technologies. Developing ways to detect and measure identified parameters. ii) Establish optimal methods to connect data from sensors on groups of animals to veterinary records (e.g. feed intake, feed composition, breeding data, veterinary medicines, etc.) and abattoirs. Developing a model to easily integrate the data, ensuring continuous flow of information to enable changes to be introduced, e.g. in farm husbandry practices, abattoir interventions, official controls, etc. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Participation in a virtual joint meeting between SRUC, Embassy of Argentina in London and INTA (Argentina) - discuss research areas/capabilities/potential collaborations |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | One of few key members of staff participating in a virtual joint meeting between SRUC, Embassy of Argentina in London and INTA (Argentina). The key ambition was to discuss current/recent research at SRUC and INTA, discuss research capabilities and potential for collaboration between the two organisations/countries. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Participation in workshop for EU funded project smartcow, presentation of SRUC's precision livestock farming research activity. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | Participation in EU funded workshop / study tour - SmartCow consortium which represents international members. Stakeholders from a range of international agriculture companies were present including national media. Study tour involved a presentation on a range of SRUC's research activities and visit to SRUC's research facilities (beef, sheep and dairy). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Participatory Research Activity - AgriScot November 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Conducted a participatory research activity at AgriScot in November 2022 to explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with the beef, sheep and dairy sectors in Scotland. Engagement was focussed on farmers, but also extended to industry representatives. Alongside further planned participatory activities, the data will be mined to understand sector inefficiencies, opportunities for technology/data driven solutions and barriers to technology adoption across these sectors. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Precision Agriculture delegation organised by the Science and Innovation Network: British High Commission, Delhi |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Participated in an event where SRUC hosted a Precision Agriculture delegation organised by the Science and Innovation Network: British High Commission, Delhi. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Presentation for the Animal Health, Agriculture and Aquaculture sector group: Improving awareness and links for innovation capacity in Scotland" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Jenna Bowen presented on behalf of the AA3 (Animal Health, Agritech and Aquaculture) sector group to describe innovation capacity in Scotland. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Researchers from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and University of Stirling Visit to SRUC's Beef and Research Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Visit of members of research staff from the Centre for Ecology and Hydroology and the University of Stirling to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research, facilities and future collaborations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
Description | Roseanna Cunningham MSP - Visit to SRUC's Beef Research Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Visit of MSP to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research and facilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Royal Highland Show - Scotland |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The Royal Highland Show (Edinburgh, Scotland) is one of the highlights of the agricultural calendar in the UK, and every year SRUC actively participate in this event. Staff members from SRUC showcase the research, education and consulting divisions. Myself and team members actively engage in this event to promote and discuss the research we do to the general public aswell as the farming industry and policy makers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018 |
Description | Senior Researchers from University of Guelph Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Visit of senior staff from the University of Guelph to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research, facilities and potential collaborations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | SmartCow Study Tour - Tour of facilities |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Visit of members of the EU SmartCow project study tour to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research and facilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Student visit to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Undergraduate student visit from Glynllifon Agricultural College, North Wales to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to understand research activity. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Teagasc Ballyhaise College Students and Irish Farmers Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Visit of Teagasc Ballyhaise College Students and Irish Farmers SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research and facilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | University of Arkansas (USA) student visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | University of Arkansas (USA) student visit to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research and facilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | University of Kassel (Germany) Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | University of Kassel (Germany) visit to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre to discuss past and current research and facilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Use of Sensors and Communication Devices in Agriculture workshop - participation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | The Satellite Applications Catapult held a workshop on current farming practices involving data gathering and processing. It will also describe communications technologies used to transfer in-field data to the internet. SRUC research activities were covered in presentations provided at the event. Approx 80 individuals from across academia and industry attended the event, which facilitated collaborative discussion. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre - AgResearch - September 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Hosted visit by AgResearch Colleagues (New Zealand) - to discuss research activities of common interest - focus on AgriTech solutions for pasture. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre - Barclays Eagle Labs - October 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Hosted visit by Barclays Eagle Labs - particular focus on AgriTech and Data-driven solutions for Livestock production. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre - Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport - March 2023 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Facility to discuss research activities (particular focus on Innovations for Net Zero in Agriculture). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre - Harper Adams Students |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Farm visit by Harper Adams students interested in technology - February 2023 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre - Scottish Government and SAC consulting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre from Scottish Government and SAC consulting colleagues to discuss current research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre - University of Edinburgh Global Academy students (3 visits) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | University of Edinburgh student visit (3 visits) to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre to discuss current research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Visit to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre fro the planetary health alliance |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | Visit of members of the planetary health alliance to SRUC's beef and sheep research centre. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Visit to SRUC;s Beef and Sheep Research Centre - Centre for Ecology and Hydrology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Visit to SRUC's Beef and Sheep Research Centre to discuss potential areas of engagement / multidisciplinary research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Visit to SRUC;s Beef and Sheep Research Centre - RESAS colleagues |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Visit to SRUC Beef and Sheep Research facility by RESAS colleagues - March 2023 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Webinar - Future Livestock Technologies |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Webinar to discuss the future of livestock production through the use of precision livestock farming techniques. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | participation and invited talk - KTN workshop on robotics and artifical intelligence in the agri-food sector |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Participation in KTN organised workshop on robotics and artificial intelligence in the agri-tech sector. Invited talk to discuss challenges associated with livestock production in the UK and how technology can be used to overcome some of these challenges. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |