Using AI to support animal welfare monitoring
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) recently completed a research project with Impetus Animal Welfare evaluating whether advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can be applied in Australian red meat processing plants and whether they provide tangible value for processors in improving animal welfare outcomes.
In Europe, advanced AI systems are being used in processing facilities to monitor animal welfare. These technologies have emerged in response to growing pressures for increased transparency and to maintain public trust in the food production process.
AMPC Program Manager Markets and Product Integrity Ann McDonald said, “This research project focused on trialling a commercialised AI system and providing guidance for Australian processors on how these systems work, their benefits, and the potential for improvements in monitoring animal welfare outcomes.”
“The trial was conducted in a beef processing plant, with cameras installed in key areas, including unloading bays, lairage, and the knocking box. Sensors were placed at high-priority points, including in electric goads, backup stunning devices, and clickers.
“Before the system was installed, Impetus Animal Welfare consulted with the processor to understand their specific monitoring needs. Once the hardware was in place, the AI models were trained, and the staff then received training on how to interpret the system’s data and use it effectively.”
The system trialled in the plant was a multi-modal AI platform, Argus, that combines video with sensor data, including sound, temperature, and connection to physical devices like electric prods. This wider dataset offers further context for understanding animal behaviour and welfare, exceeding what visual footage alone can provide.
Impetus Animal Welfare CEO Michael Patching said, “While CCTV has long been used for compliance and review purposes, it has limitations. Detecting important events throughout the day is challenging, and isolated events lack information on prevalence or environmental context. Argus overcomes these challenges.”
“One of the most significant advantages of AI-assisted monitoring is that it operates continuously, far beyond the capacity of manual reviews. While AI still requires human operators to validate issues, which can limit its implementation in businesses, we have been able to show how it can enable more comprehensive identification of potential concerns and support data-driven decision-making.”
Ann said, “The processor involved in the trial gave positive feedback, noting that the system provided valuable insights into both operational processes and areas for improvement. It also enhanced their ability to demonstrate compliance with regulatory and audit requirements.”
The same AI technology is also being trialled in a smallstock processing plant for the first time globally.
A guide is being developed to help Australian processors determine whether AI monitoring could be useful for their operations.
The AI monitoring system will also be featured at the AMPC Innovation Showcase welcome event, sponsored by Impetus Animal Welfare, in September, giving processors the opportunity to see its capabilities firsthand.
Extension work could include an examination of how AI systems impact human behaviour in processing plants and their integration into workflows, including training, reporting, and compliance processes.
For more information about the research, visit the AMPC website at: https://www.ampc.com.au/research-development/product-process-integrity/animal-husbandry-ai-objective-measurement-validation-in-australian-processing-plants/ or contact AMPC Program Manager Markets and Product Integrity, Ann McDonald at a.mcdonald@ampc.com.au.
Register to attend the AMPC Innovation Showcase at the AMPC website: https://www.ampc.com.au/news-events/events/ampc-innovation-showcase-2025/