What is Centre for Digital Innovation Applied to Livestock (C-DIAL)?
The Centre for Digital Innovation Applied to Livestock (C-DIAL) capability enables the automated measurement of animal performance and detection of certain animal behaviours that signify possible health or welfare problems before they are visible to the naked eye. Early identification enables early targeting of treatment or changes in management practices, resulting in more efficient use of antibiotics and faster recovery. Automated digital imaging enables continuous remote visualisation of behaviour and performance, requiring minimal physical interaction with the animals, supplementing good stockmanship.
Key research expertise
C-DIAL boasts wide-reaching technical expertise from an interdisciplinary team comprising livestock scientists, veterinarians, computer scientists, mathematicians and engineers to address health and welfare management challenges.
- A farming systems approach to enhancing animal health and welfare
- Development of practical on-farm monitoring and assessment of livestock
- Refining husbandry and housing practices to improve health and welfare
- Application of cutting-edge video and computing techniques for livestock monitoring
Specialist research capability includes:
- High definition networked digital cameras and depth perception cameras for behaviour observations
- State-of-the-art, 18m length gait analysis laboratory and associated equipment for tracking movement of any point on the body in 3D & high definition
- Farmex BarnReport® remote monitoring system to monitor and record environmental conditions
- Advanced thermal and hyperspectral imaging and flexibility to accommodate a wide range of sensors
- A Bluetooth weighing system and Nedap feeders to monitor individual animal performance
Impact
Automated and accurate determination of the welfare status of individual animals.
Early diagnosis and intervention of health or behaviour issues, aiding quicker recovery and reduced need for antibiotics.
Enhanced animal health and welfare to support profitable production and superior product quality.
In collaboration with:
This Capability is based at the University of Newcastle’s Cockle Park Farm.
Cockle Park Farm is the University of Newcastle’s flagship research facility, located 18 miles north of Newcastle, spanning 271 hectares and is renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming practices.
