EuroTier is the leading global platform for innovations in animal farming, showcasing advancements across the sector. The innovations submitted to EuroTier 2024, evaluated by the DLG Innovation Commission, reflect a wide range of agricultural innovations, highlighting the sector's innovative capabilities.

AI in Livestock Farming Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming pivotal in the future of livestock farming. However, there’s a critical need to differentiate between products claiming to use AI and those offering practical, farmer-friendly applications. In AI image analysis, cameras in animal housing can monitor animals for identification, track movements, detect lameness, estrus, or impending birth. The key is how well these AI models are trained and adapted to farming needs. Similar to how farmers distinguish between cow breeds like Holstein Friesian and Fleckvieh, AI can do the same. Overall, image analysis, particularly when combined with sensor data, opens new avenues for animal health and management, particularly in situations where it's too costly to attach sensors to every animal.

Data Integration is Key AI’s potential in agriculture expands with its ability to integrate various data sources. For example, Large Language Models (LLMs) could access herd management data using simple speech and provide actionable insights. However, livestock farming still lacks a unified system for data sharing, which slows technological progress.

Animal Welfare in the Face of Political Challenges Improving animal health and welfare remains central to livestock farming, but uncertainty about future political and social demands creates hesitation in developing new systems. Farmers continue to focus on improving animal health through observation and early disease detection, with a strong emphasis on reducing antibiotic use.

Rise of Robotics Robotics are playing a growing role in reducing human workload in livestock farming, supported by AI developments. Robots help minimize physical and mental fatigue, reducing errors and compensating for labor shortages, while improving efficiency and quality.

Reducing Barn Emissions Feeding innovations aim to reduce environmentally harmful emissions, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. New approaches, like optimizing amino acid compositions, enzyme supplements, and digestible ration components, can help. Recent attention is also focused on reducing methane emissions in cattle. In pig farming, cleaning exercise areas with robots to remove waste and maintain dry, healthy surfaces contributes to lower emissions and improved hoof health.

Improving Barn Climate Rising temperatures due to climate change also impact barns, increasing stress for both humans and animals. Modern technology helps alleviate this stress through advanced cooling systems and better monitoring of potential issues. Additionally, digital sensors monitoring ammonia levels improve air quality in pig barns by triggering action when levels become unsafe.

Technological Trends in Pig Farming Numerous innovations are shaping pig farming, from husbandry and feeding technology to new equipment. Automated data networking systems streamline processes like climate control and feeding, leading to more efficient management. Solutions addressing common issues like tail biting and ammonia reduction are emerging, alongside advancements in feeding systems for sows and piglets that enhance hygiene and reduce losses.

Technological Trends in Cattle Farming Cattle farming in Germany faces growing challenges as farmers balance economic viability with evolving political and social demands for higher animal welfare standards. Smart barn construction and intelligent technologies can improve conditions for both animals and farmers. Automation, particularly in feeding and camera-based animal monitoring, offers significant potential for optimizing herd management and milk production.

Technological Trends in Poultry Farming Poultry farmers face increasing demands for improved animal welfare and health. Advances in vaccination techniques, red mite control, and egg hatching processes contribute to better animal health and longevity. Improved aviary systems and enrichment solutions, such as larvae snacks, ensure higher welfare standards for both chicks and hens.

“Clever & Smart” – Digital Helpers in the Barn Digital systems are making their way into cattle, pig, and poultry barns, offering farmers smart tools to optimize work processes, improve animal welfare, and reduce workload. Key trends point towards AI and health monitoring systems, with camera-based systems emerging as valuable tools for managing animal health and welfare.