What is the FLOCKWISE project?
‘Facilitating Learning Opportunities, Cultivating Knowledge and Welfare through Integrated Sensing and Expertise’, or ‘FLOCKWISE’ project, is a novel technology for welfare-led productivity gains in laying hen farming.
The project uses innovative technology to improve the health and welfare of laying hens whilst increasing productivity, efficiency and industry resilience is underway, thanks to grant funding from Innovate UK.
This groundbreaking effort promises to benefit both the welfare of the animals and the long-term viability of the sector.
What are the industry issues?
Soaring energy feed and labour costs have impacted egg production and farmers are challenged with respect to environmental and ethical considerations.
The industry is also facing further challenges as a result of disease such as Avian influenza and the use of different breeds needing different welfare and husbandry requirements.
How does the system work?
The current BirdBox system combines data collection software with in-house sensor hardware, including an integrated bird weigher, light, humidity, CO2 and temperature and feed bin weigh cells, water and power monitoring.
This integrates all farm data to provide the information required to support daily management of the flock and enable farmer-led intervention with targeted guidance when issues arise.
The sensor embedded flock management system can bring industry-generated insights and targeted interventions to farmers and industry.
As well as measuring welfare, it can harness data and improve production, which enables the farmer to take better action and learn from the industry.
The BirdBox makes available industry learning into farmer-facing, low-cost animal-centric technology, whilst alerting farmers of issues, supporting daily management decisions and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Project partners
