A company that specialises in the remote monitoring and measurement of poultry is launching to the Irish market at the National Ploughing Championships next week (September 19-21).
Pondus Ltd., a UK company that has undergone four years of research and development, has developed an in-shed camera product that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to track poultry data and send critical information direct into the hands of farmers.
This information can then be used for enacting improved health, welfare and productivity of poultry.
Information from the camera can be accessed on the web, or the Pondus app, anywhere, anytime.
The camera is also useful for reducing reliance on finite labour resources in the poultry industry and reduce biosecurity risks, whilst providing useful data to make decisions from.
It is currently measuring in excess of 18 million birds in the broiler sector.
Gathering information
Based on the expression ‘a picture speaks a thousand words’, it uses AI and machine learning to identify specific behaviours and conduct weighing analysis.
Weighing has been a priority for the company.
“We know this is a key outcome measure for farmers and their bottom line, and current weighing methods can be challenging – the time required, calibration and just the need to have to physically handle the birds which is becoming a greater issue as avian influenza (bird flu) continues to plague the industry,” it said.
“What comes after weighing is potentially more exciting though,” the company added.
“If we can measure bird behaviour and manage according to these then the weight and weight profile has the potential to improve.”
The first behaviour developed by the team at Pondus was huddling. From working with its farmers, it is well informed and understood to be one of the greatest impacting factors to performance from a behaviour perspective.
This works on an alert-based system.
Pondus
Pondus is also developing behaviour-tracking systems for feeder and drinker behaviours and heat stress.
Pondus’ offering was created for farmers, by farmers. The company’s the CEO/Founder, Claire Lewis has real hands-on industry experience to inform the innovation. The experience on farm, processing and in food retail inspired and motivated Claire to develop a solution.
Claire, being from a farm herself whilst passionate about the technology and innovation, is also very keen on customer service. She believes the whole package needs to be accessible, affordable and really have a positive impact.
Pondus will be at the Innovation Arena at next week’s Ploughing in Co. Laois where its team can answer any further questions.
For more information before that, click here.
