Strategic Short Note: Application of Smart Machine Vision in Aquaculture and Animal Husbandry

As the global population approaches 9.7 billion by 2050, the demand for protein sources intensifies. Aquaculture and animal husbandry products accounted for approximately 40% of the global average protein intake. Aquaculture and animal husbandry are labor-intensive. Although automation has been applied to these two fields, manual patrols are still required to monitor the conditions of the economic animals to be raised. This article delves into the role of smart machine vision as a replacement to manual monitoring of animals in these two fields. By integrating advanced technologies like deep neural networks, machine vision facilitates automatic monitoring of animal conditions, thereby reducing reliance on manual labor. This technology encompasses video acquisition, model training, database management, and real-time analysis. Pioneering applications in observing chicken behaviors, monitoring sow and piglet interactions, and assessing shrimp appetite illustrate the profound impact of smart machine vision. These advancements promise improved animal survival rates and appropriate feed amounts. This article underscores the growing importance of smart machine vision as a critical area for ongoing research and development.