Improving Poultry Farming in Iraq Using Artificial Intelligence: Addressing Environmental and Health Challenges

 

 

Dr. Majed Hameed Al Sayegh /Avian Pathologist /Australis

 

 

Introduction

 

Since the mid-20th century, poultry farming in Iraq has seen a significant increase in productivity due to advancements in nutrition, genetics, management practices, and disease control. However, the poultry industry in Iraq faces considerable challenges due to several environmental and health factors, including climate change, diseases, and rising feed costs. In this context, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technologies presents a great opportunity to improve productivity, enhance animal welfare, and achieve better sustainability in the sector.

 

The demand for poultry meat in Iraq is expected to double by 2050, which will put additional pressure on farmers to meet this demand. This highlights the need to adopt smart farming technologies to provide sustainable and effective solutions.

 

Transforming Agriculture in Iraq Using Technology

 

Modern technologies such as sensors, cloud computing, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) are critical in improving agriculture in general, and poultry farming in particular. In Iraq, farmers face challenges related to the lack of advanced infrastructure; however, modern technology can provide suitable solutions to improve productivity and reduce costs. With the availability of high-speed internet and increasing computing power, Iraqi farmers can leverage these technologies to enhance their practices.

 

Improving Poultry Nutrition

 

Poultry nutrition is crucial in Iraq, where feed accounts for approximately 65% of production costs. Some Iraqi farms still use outdated feeding systems, leading to significant feed waste. By utilizing precision feeding systems, the amount of feed can be adjusted based on the birds’ real-time needs, thus increasing efficiency and reducing waste. Computer vision techniques, which assess the health and size of individual birds, can help create customized feeding plans. Additionally, feed sensors can assist farmers in monitoring feed levels in silos, preventing shortages or oversupply, and improving feed management efficiency.

 

Smart Environmental Control

 

Iraq’s desert climate experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, making it difficult for poultry farms to maintain a suitable environment for the birds. Monitoring environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels is essential to improve poultry welfare. With smart technologies, farmers in Iraq can automate the control of these environmental factors, ensuring that the conditions remain optimal at all times. Smart sensors are crucial in this context, allowing farmers to continuously monitor environmental indicators like temperature and humidity. These systems enable timely actions to be taken, reducing mortality rates and improving poultry productivity.

 

Disease Detection Using Artificial Intelligence

 

Diseases are among the biggest challenges facing poultry farms in Iraq. With the increasing rates of disease outbreaks, these epidemics can result in significant financial losses. By using artificial intelligence, early signs of disease can be detected by analyzing bird behavior, providing farmers with early warnings to implement preventive measures. Through real-time data analysis, intelligent systems can predict potential health issues, identify changes in bird behavior, and enhance bird welfare while reducing treatment costs.

 

Hardware and Software Used in Smart Farming in Iraq

 

Smart farming in Iraq relies on a variety of sensors, including temperature, humidity, gas level sensors, water usage monitors, and weight gain indicators. These devices work together to provide a comprehensive overview of the farm’s conditions. Equally important is the software used to collect and analyze large volumes of data and provide actionable insights. Iraqi farmers can benefit from software that provides user-friendly interfaces for monitoring and decision-making.

 

Successful Implementation of Smart Technologies in Iraqi Poultry Farms

 

Many poultry farms in Iraq operate with outdated systems, but these systems can be improved by adding sensors for more precise and effective monitoring. These smart systems can be cost-effective, allowing Iraqi farmers to access modern technologies without fully replacing their existing infrastructure. By adopting a gradual upgrade strategy, farmers can integrate smart technologies into their farms without the need for large investments, helping to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

 

Conclusion

 

Artificial intelligence and modern technologies hold great potential for improving poultry production in Iraq. By adopting these technologies, farmers can enhance feed management, environmental control, and health monitoring in a proactive manner. With the increasing demand for poultry meat in Iraq, it is essential to embrace smart farming practices to achieve greater sustainability and increased productivity. Although the initial investment cost may be high, the decreasing cost of these technologies makes them more accessible, contributing to the sustainability of the sector and the profitability of farmers in Iraq.