We asked Dr. Vivian Breen about artificial intelligence (AI) applications at Cobb. She shared some exciting ways Cobb is exploring AI and how it can integrate into broiler breeder genetic progress.
- In which areas of Breeder Broiler Production do you think AI can be used?
AI has the potential to revolutionize the management of breeders and broilers in several ways. It can transform real-time monitoring and evaluation of eggs, chicks, flocks, and their environment. Additionally, AI supports labor-intensive tasks through robotics and provides highly accurate forecasts of outcomes.
In a broader context, AI serves as a tool for better decision-making, seamlessly integrating into poultry production just as it has in our daily lives. Numerous examples demonstrate AI’s successful application in our industry, positively impacting production efficiencies from hatch to processing. It also aids in supply chain planning and predicting complex patterns and traits of economic relevance.
- How can AI be used to improve selective breeding programs?
AI has been an invaluable tool for collecting and predicting hard-to-measure phenotypes related to performance (such as growth, yield, and feed conversion ratio) as well as health and welfare attributes. These attributes can be subjective and impractical to measure through human assessments. High-throughput phenotyping employs sensors, computer vision, and other technologies to extract relevant information for breeding decisions. Additionally, AI is a powerful tool for research, aiding in the understanding of the genetic backgrounds of numerous traits in breeders and broilers.
- What are a few things a company would need to successfully integrate AI into their production system?
To successfully apply AI-driven technologies and models, data is an essential component. The adoption of digital technologies plays a crucial role in this process. Information must be collected, stored, and cleaned in a structured and organized manner to transform data into valuable insights.
- Can you give examples of current AI applications in your breeding program?
In R&D, AI models are used to extract phenotypes from various technologies. For example, CT scanning can provide data on yield, health (including joints, legs, and cardiovascular health), and meat quality. Our egg vision system uses images of eggs to evaluate their shell quality and size, which impacts hatchability and chick quality. Near-infrared technology is used for assessing meat quality. These AI-driven technologies enhance our ability to gather detailed and accurate phenotypic data, supporting better breeding decisions. Additionally, AI has been applied in innovative ways to explore the complexities of DNA and protein coding in chickens.
- Is there any AI research that Cobb is doing that is really exciting?
Absolutely! Not only do we have internal efforts, but we also engage in multiple partnerships through our Cobb Research Initiative (CRI) competitive grants program to collaborate with leading researchers in this cutting-edge area. We expect that AI will not only facilitate our day-to-day activities but also help uncover solutions for emerging issues, many of which are related to health and have been very challenging to solve with currently available tools.
About Dr. Breen
Vivian joined Cobb in 2016 and is currently the Director of Quantitative Genetics. Prior to Cobb she held a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position in the Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin (Madison). She earned her DVM and Masters in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. She also earned her Ph.D. in Animal Science (Animal Breeding and Genetics) from the same institution.
