Novel sound technology and egg quality data integration are set to redefine welfare management and productivity in laying hen operations, according to those behind an agtech project.
The enhanced BirdBox system, as part of the FLOCKWISE project, promises transformative benefits for farmers, hens, and the environment.
David Brass, chief executive at The Lakes Free Range Egg Co Ltd, highlighted the potential of this technology in an interview with FeedNavigator.
“Farmers and stockpeople have long known they can gauge the stress and health of their animals by the noises they make,” Brass explained. “Stress levels, often tied to the quality of their surroundings, directly impact eggshell quality.”
Acoustic analysis can diagnose some poultry illnesses, much like how a human’s croaky voice might indicate a sore throat, he continued. This system will democratize the skills of expert stockpeople, combining real-time data from visual and acoustic analysis to preemptively address welfare issues, he outlined.
Making technology accessible to farmers
FLOCKWISE is designed with practicality in mind, ensuring ease of adoption across all experience levels.
“The BirdBox system has been developed with simplicity and farm-level relevance as core principles,” Brass said. “We even have an 80-year-old farmer with a Nokia phone using it successfully. Keeping the system user-friendly is critical to its success.”
One element of his role is to maintain focus: When programmers get carried away, he steps in to ensure the project is grounded in reality.
The FLOCKWISE project
Supported by Innovate UK grant funding, FLOCKWISE unites FAI Farms, The Lakes Free Range Egg Co, Newcastle University, and the UK Agri-Tech Centre. Its mission is to enhance the BirdBox system to address health, welfare, and productivity in laying hens.
Driving environmental sustainability
Beyond animal welfare, the technology aligns with the UK’s agricultural net zero goals. Brass shared compelling statistics from early trials:
“Input efficiency has improved, mortality reduced by 20%, and egg production increased by 11.7 eggs per bird. Detailed data also allows us to identify and implement small but impactful production changes, such as adjusting diets to minimize soy use.”
Measuring success
FLOCKWISE employs key performance indicators (KPIs) to track its effectiveness.
“Metrics like mortality, egg quality, antibiotic use, and stress levels provide measurable proof of the system’s benefits,” Brass said.
But farmer enthusiasm is just as telling, he added.
How BirdBox works
The BirdBox system integrates hardware sensors to monitor variables such as weight, light, humidity, air quality, and feed usage. With enhancements from FLOCKWISE, advanced sensors and artificial intelligence will analyze sound and egg quality data, providing real-time insights for preventative welfare measures. This data will support a learning tool to help farmers address welfare challenges effectively.
Expected benefits
- Increased productivity: Gains of up to £40,000 (USD $50,640) to £110,000 (US$139,278) per flock and an annual increase of 1.7 billion eggs in the UK.
- Enhanced sustainability: Reduced energy and feed inputs, lower mortality rates, and decreased CO2e emissions per kg of eggs.
- Greater resilience: Improved hen welfare supports higher-margin egg products, strengthening farm business stability.
Carly Scott, project lead at FAI, said: “With BirdBox, we already see the benefit of monitoring the environment and management of the flock. This development enables farmers to better understand the health and welfare of their birds, not only detecting, but preventing problems while supporting increased productivity.”
