Climate-smart precision poultry farming: artificial intelligence and sensor-based microclimate control for enhancing welfare and production efficiency

Abstract

Climate-aware farming has proved to be an innovative way of improving animal welfare and productivity on intensive broiler farms. Innovations in the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) can provide smart systems for monitoring and predicting microclimates. A systematic review of IoT- and AI-enabled microclimate regulation for broilers was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The literature reviewed was assessed based on its sensing, networking, and data processing capabilities. The reviewed solutions combined IoT and AI technologies with environmental sensors, using the LoRaWAN, ZigBee, and NB-IoT communication protocols. Data analysis employed methods such as LSTM, YOLO, and fuzzy logic. Technology evolution is evident in the transition from threshold to predictive climate management, which has contributed to increased thermal stability within ±0.5 °C, more even bird distribution, reduced stress-related behaviours, and improved feed conversion ratios of 1.42–1.50 and daily weight gains of 64–68 g/day. Although IoT and AI technologies could greatly improve broiler welfare and production effectiveness, there are still obstacles such as sensor ageing, connectivity issues in rural areas, and expensive implementation.