Read: 840
Revolutionizing Agricultural Practices with Technology
March 29, 2021
By Tracy Henion
As a pioneering figure in the livestock industry, Dr. Madonna Benjamin has been instrumental in transforming how animals are handled and cared for. Her commitment to understanding the impacts of interaction on livestock led her to investigate issues such as stress-induced disorders like lactic acidosis.
After earning her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, she moved into research at Elanco Animal Health, where she focused on pigs experiencing an excess of lactate. Her groundbreaking study revealed that the misuse of electric prods could be causing stress and subsequent physiological issues within pig populations.
Our research brought to light the devastating effects of using electrical devices incorrectly, Benjamin explns. This insight changed industry standards for livestock handling practices.
Continuing her mission, Benjamin returned to veterinary practice with a unique perspective: instead of merely criticizing existing systems, she sought to improve them.
Her work is spearheaded by SIMKits, innovative tools that leverage technology to monitor and analyze the welfare, productivity, health, and profitability of animals in real-time. Initially known as Sows in Motion SIM, this system employs computer vision techniques combined with sensor cameras and monitoring equipment to capture data on animal posture, behavior, and overall well-being.
The implementation of SIMKits can facilitate early detection of stress or potential illness, allowing for timely intervention by farmers and veterinarians alike. By improving livestock welfare practices, these tools have the potential to boost productivity while also ensuring animal safety and health in agricultural settings.
To bring her transformative technology to life, Benjamin partnered with Michigan State University's MSU Technology Transfer and Commercialization Office through initiatives like MTRAC - the Michigan Technology Transfer Accelerator for Competitive Innovation. This program supports researchers looking to commercialize their innovations by providing resources such as business planning guidance, market analysis, funding support, patent assistance, and connections to potential investors.
With the help of MSU's innovation ecosystem, Motion Grazerwas launched in collaboration with Red Cedar Venturesa venture capital subsidiary of the MSU Foundation. The startup focuses on livestock industries like swine $1 billionyear market opportunity globally, inting to expand their service offerings to include other animal categories such as cattle, sheep, and poultry.
We're thrilled by the prospect of revolutionizing farming practices through our technology, says John McIntyre, a Spartan Innovations Entrepreneur-in-Residence who led the evaluation team. Dr. Benjamin's passion for animal welfare translates into innovative solutions that have been vetted and are ready to make an impact.
The Motion Grazerproject exemplifies the potential of technology in agriculture, aligning with MSU's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Madonna Benjamin's pioneering work serves as a testament to her dedication to improving livestock management practices through cutting-edge technology, setting new standards for animal welfare, productivity, and efficiency within the agricultural sector.
As the field continues to evolve with technological advancements, the work of pioneers like Dr. Benjamin ensures that farmers are equipped with tools that not only boost their bottom line but also uphold ethical farming practices. Her journey from academic research to industry-led innovation highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving impactful change in agriculture.
AgTech Startup Navigates Partnerships for Growth
Harnessing Innovations in Herbicides for Sustnable Crop Management
This article is reproduced from: https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/revolutionizing-the-livestock-industry/
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.ub47.com/Veterinary_sow/Ag_Tech_Partner_Insight.html
Innovative Farming Practices Technology Integration Livestock Welfare Monitoring System Development Sustainable Agriculture Industry Transformation Real time Animal Data Analysis Solutions Michigan State University Agtech Collaborations Profound Agricultural Research Commercialization