AI-Powered farming tech eyes Kuwait; Dr Preniski unveils project
While human monitoring is limited, camera systems can detect subtle indicators like ear or body movement that might signal disease – Dr Gary Preniski
Dr. Gary Preniski, Assistant Executive Director at the Center for Global Food Security at Purdue University, revealed an AI-based project aimed at predicting diseases in cows and livestock before symptoms appear, based on their movements.
During the 4th Annual Food Safety and Nutrition Summit in Kuwait — organized by the Ministry of Health with support from the US Department of Agriculture, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, and the US Embassy — Preniski explained that the project involves using cameras installed on farms linked to artificial intelligence systems to detect early signs of illness in animals, reports Al-Rai daily.
Preniski noted that. He added that the project also explores using AI models to detect livestock emotions, although this research is still ongoing.
Another innovation under development involves a small robot implanted in cows’ stomachs, which would monitor temperature, pH levels, and other health indicators, instantly transmitting this data to mobile devices.
These technologies, he said, will be especially valuable for countries like Kuwait, where high temperatures increase disease risks. He expects both projects to be ready for deployment within a year or two, with the aim of transferring the technology to Kuwaiti livestock farmers.
On avian health, Preniski acknowledged diseases like avian influenza and salmonella, but said current AI research is focused on livestock, as disease spreads faster in poultry, making detection more complex.
He stressed the urgency of reducing antibiotic use in livestock, favoring natural alternatives due to the dangers of overuse.
Commenting on the summit’s outcomes, Preniski praised the high participation of Kuwaiti and Gulf women in nutrition, noting their significant role in food management across societies. He emphasized that this engagement can be leveraged to improve food safety and public health, especially through education and supply chain monitoring to uphold health standards.
