Projects

We are looking at how digital sensing technologies are being implemented in animal breeding, and the societal and ethical implications of this digital transformation in agriculture.

Digital sensing technologies are increasingly used for farm animal management and veterinary purposes, offering new understanding of animals’ behaviour and health as well as ‘precision’ farming strategies. Linking the data collected by animal sensing technologies to genomic data has been identified as a key opportunity to develop data-driven strategies in farm animal breeding, and allow breeders to target novel health and behavioural traits of animals.

This project will investigate how these innovations in data use are changing animal breeding practice and organisation, and identify key goals for and challenges to responsible practice, for animal welfare and sustainable farming systems.

The research team will interview stakeholders including scientists, breeders, farmers, policymakers, veterinarians and animal welfare experts to identify their visions of digital transformation, the challenges they face in achieving this, and the key ethical implications of new technologies and breeding practices.

This project aims to investigate the impact of digital technologies and new digital business models on the animal health industry.

We are working with the Veterinary Health Innovation Engine (vHive), a research initiative partially funded by Zoetis and managed through the University of Surrey. vHive is dedicated to the development and adoption of new digital technologies in animal health.

More information and case studies (INDEX website)

This project is investigating impediments to data reuse. We’ll be asking “what’s the current state of play?” before making practical recommendations and identifying areas where future research or development is needed.

Government and commercial organisations have accrued vast amounts of data over years of investment, but they might be missing opportunities. The way data is designed, captured, and managed is primarily intended for single-use purposes. This means huge amounts of data that is worth billions of pounds is being generated, yet it is not being reused.

Data reuse could deliver better value.  If it could be used in a slightly different way, data could inform other operational areas, systems and services beyond what it was originally designed for. The ability to reuse data could allow an organisation to use their resources more efficiently, potentially saving time and money.

More information (INDEX website)

Most farm businesses use software and digital technology at least at a basic level and are well versed in data collection, to add value and improve efficiency and sustainability. However, many are not using the data they have collected to the fullest.

We are working with agricultural-tech companies to help them clearly communicate the ways that digital technology can provide greater benefits to the farm businesses, how to help farmers get the most out of their data, build trust, and overcome the challenges that digital technologies bring to the sector.

Agri-TechE website
DIGIT Lab contact, Gerard Parr