Digital Transformation of Animal Science Research

Organizers

Mark A.M. Kramer*, Tiago Monteiro#, Peter M. Roth*

* University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
# Domestication Lab at University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna & William James Center for Research at University of Aveiro

Workshop Description

The workshop “Digital Transformation of Animal Science” at AIRoV 2025 offers a unique interdisciplinary platform to explore the revolutionary impact of digital technologies on animal science research. This workshop will explore how Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Data Science, and Robotics are reshaping methodologies and opening new frontiers in animal studies. Participants will examine innovative applications of these digital tools in behavior analysis, health monitoring, genetic research, and ecological studies. The workshop aims to foster collaboration and inspire new ideas, thereby accelerating the integration of advanced digital solutions into animal science by bringing together experts from both technological and biological sciences. Attendees will gain insights into current trends, challenges, and future directions of this rapidly evolving intersection between technology and animal science research.

Motivation

Our motivation for developing and hosting the “Digital Transformation of Animal Science” workshop at AIRoV 2025 stems from the rapidly evolving landscape of animal science research and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and related technologies. As animal science increasingly embraces digital tools, there is a pressing need for a dedicated forum to explore and discuss these advancements. By bringing together experts from diverse disciplines, including AI, machine learning, computer vision, and animal science, we aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate the integration of cutting-edge technologies into animal research. This workshop will catalyze innovation, addressing challenges such as precision livestock farming, animal welfare monitoring, animal behavioral studies, and sustainable habitat and ecological practices. By hosting this workshop at AIRoV 2025, we seek to leverage the AIRoV Symposium’s focus on AI and computer vision and robotics research communities to create cooperative knowledge and an exchange of research experience between animal science and technologists., ultimately driving progress in research methodologies, animal welfare, and sustainable habitat and ecological practices.

Reviewers

Submissions for our workshop will undergo a peer-review process conducted by research practitioners within the prospective research communities. The review panel will comprise doctoral students and academics actively examining the themes of this workshop, ensuring a thorough and relevant evaluation of each submission. Drawing from animal science and technological fields, these reviewers will bring their expertise and current research perspectives to the assessment process. This peer-review process aims to cultivate a workshop program that showcases cutting-edge research, promotes knowledge exchange, and stimulates further collaboration in the digital transformation of animal science.

Schedule

Time Session / Event
9:00–9:10 Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:10–9:20 Impulsreferat - The Impact of Digital Technologies on Animal Science Research - Dr. Mark A.M. Kramer CTM vetmeduni & Dr. Tiago Monteiro - Domestication Lab vetmeduni
9:20–10:00 Workshop Keynote: Rethinking Animal Behavior Research in the Digital Age - Dr. Anna Zamansky - University of Haifa - TECH4ANIMALS Lab
10:00–10:30 Session I: Precision Animal Health
- Peter Lederer: An IoT Platform for Animal Monitoring in High Alpine Areas (10 minutes - Q&A 5 minutes)
- Habeeb Muraina: Variable Illumination on Video-Based Detection of Cattle Brush Use ( 10 minutes - Q&A 5 minutes)
10:30–11:00 Break
11:00–11:30 Session I: -Continued-
- Julia Schoiswohl: Making Cow Behaviour Measurable: Complementary Use of External and Internal Sensors (10 minutes - Q&A 5 minutes)
- Jakob Ganitzer: Deep Learning for Advancing Animal Breeding – A Study on Austrian Fleckvieh Cattle (10 minutes - Q&A 5 minutes)
11:30–12:15 Session II: Animal Behaviour & Cognitive Research
- Chris MenneInvestigating learning and memory of dogs (Canis familiaris) using a touchscreen-based matching-to-sample task (10 minutes - Q&A 5 minutes)
- Chiara Canori: Effects of social environments and reward contingencies on dogs’ tail kinematics (10 minutes - Q&A 5 minutes)
- Roy Hammer: Smart Monkey Lab - AI-based facial recognition programme for primatological research (10 minutes - Q&A 5 minutes)
12:15–12:30 Concluding Remarks & Open Discussion