Masters Theses

Date of Award

5-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Biosystems Engineering Technology

Major Professor

Robert Burns

Committee Members

Shawn Hawkins, Yang Zhao

Abstract

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technology has the potential to revolutionize commercial poultry production by offering real-time monitoring and alerts when production conditions change. While several publications have identified the potential benefits of PLF in broiler production, adoption rates remain low. It is possible that low adoption is correlated to a gap in information transfer between PLF research and producers. The University of TN hosted a one-hour PLF module during the 2023 Tennessee Master Poultry Producer program based on results from a producer needs assessment identifying poultry producers’ interest in PLF education topics. This module was designed to introduce PLF to poultry producers, but did not provide resources for currently marketed technology. Because of this, a second survey was distributed in 2024 to identify producer needs for a multi-day PLF short course. This survey identified a lack of familiarity with PLF among broiler producers. Producers also expressed an interest in learning about PLF if Extension were to offer a workshop. Producer needs for PLF technology are focused on improving income and productivity without diminishing the welfare of the flock. From this survey data, we created a producer short course designed to increase broiler producers’ knowledge of PLF and allow them to make informed decisions about whether to implement PLF into their productions. This course offered insight to PLF technology applicable to poultry production, research advancements, implementation, and currently marketed technology. This thesis presents survey data representing producers needs for PLF training, producer perspectives on PLF technology in broiler production and the development of a producer short course for PLF education

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