COMPUTER VISION SYSTEMS FOR PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS IN PRECISION LIVESTOCK FARMING

The use of advanced imaging technology and algorithms for managing and monitoring livestock improves various aspects of livestock, such as health monitoring, behavioral analysis, early disease detection, feed management, and overall farming efficiency. Leveraging computer vision techniques such as keypoint detection, and depth estimation for these problems help to automate repeatable tasks, which in turn improves farming efficiency. In this thesis, we delve into two main aspects that are early disease detection, and feed management:

• Phenotyping Ducks using Keypoint Detection: A platform to measure duck phenotypes such as wingspan, back length, and hip width packaged in an online user interface for ease of use.
• Real-Time Cattle Intake Monitoring Using Computer Vision: A complete end-to-end real-time monitoring system to measure cattle feed intake using stereo cameras.

Furthermore, considering the above implementations and their drawbacks, we propose a cost-effective simulation environment for feed estimation to conduct extensive experiments prior to real-world implementation. This approach allows us to test and refine the computer vision systems under controlled conditions, identify potential issues, and optimize performance without the high costs and risks associated with direct deployment on farms. By simulating various scenarios and conditions, we can gather valuable data, improve algorithm accuracy, and ensure the system's robustness. Ultimately, this preparatory step will facilitate a smoother transition to real-world applications, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of computer vision in precision livestock farming.