Pennsylvania Launches AI Lab to Improve Livestock Health Care

By Blake Jackson

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited the newly launched DAT-AI-LAB at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine New Bolton Center, where researchers are using artificial intelligence to improve livestock health monitoring and farm management.

The innovative facility officially opened with support from Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Innovation Grant Program and funding from the state’s Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence.

The laboratory received $31,000 through the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program along with an additional $90,000 grant.

Developed through a partnership between Penn Vet researchers and Pennsylvania-based AgriGates, the DAT-AI-LAB is designed to gather and analyze animal behavior data using advanced AI systems.

Researchers believe the technology will help veterinarians and farmers detect health concerns earlier, allowing for quicker treatment decisions while reducing production losses and improving profitability.

“The technology in this new, state-of-the-art lab at the New Bolton Center is already serving as a powerful tool to monitor animal health and speed up intervention when speed counts most to protect livestock and a farmer’s operation, and we hope more farmers will benefit from it,” said Sec. Redding.

“Helping farmers work more efficiently and effectively to compete and grow their businesses is the reason the Shapiro Administration launched Ag Innovation Grants. This investment is working across Pennsylvania improving lives and helping agricultural businesses get stuff done.”

The DAT-AI-LAB was one of 88 projects selected during the first round of the state’s $10 million Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.

The facility also strengthens the capabilities of the New Bolton Center, part of the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System, which recently received a $6 million state investment.

“The DAT-AI-LAB represents a major step forward for Pennsylvania agriculture and veterinary innovation,” AgriGates Co-Founder and CEO Daniel Foy said.

“By bringing together animal science, artificial intelligence, engineering and real-world farm systems, we are building tools that help farmers and veterinarians detect health and welfare challenges earlier, improve decision-making, and strengthen the long-term resilience of livestock agriculture. We are proud to help position Pennsylvania as a national leader in livestock AI and behavioral intelligence.”

“Animal agriculture, at more than 70% of farm-gate cash receipts in the Commonwealth, equates to opportunity for AI to optimize on-farm decisions concerning machinery, workforce, precision inputs, and for the animals, their husbandry, health, and wellbeing,” University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Dean Andrew Hoffman said.

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