Resources

This article offers a comprehensive overview of how AI will impact the production of plant-based proteins, cultured meat, and precision fermentation, along with an analysis of its limitations.

Max Taylor

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/ugXuCHeGFDtZipzKD/what-ai-could-mean-for-alternative-proteins

This article provides a comprehensive overview of how AI is set to impact wildlife conservation, explaining the various ways it can support these efforts. Researchers can use AI in wildlife conservation to track animal locations, record sighting dates and times, analyze migration patterns, study population dynamics, understand social environments and more!

Saiwa

https://saiwa.ai/blog/ai-in-wildlife-conservation/

Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin discuss how current AI capabilities already pose significant risks to a functional society. They highlight how AI companies are caught in a race to deploy technology as quickly as possible, often without sufficient safety measures. They also explore what it would mean to upgrade our institutions to navigate a post-AI world.

Center for Humane Technology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoVJKj8lcNQ

Offers an overview of several ways AI can be utilized to safeguard wildlife.

Dr Nivash Jeevanandam

https://indiaai.gov.in/article/wildlife-conservation-in-the-digital-age-how-ai-powers-world-wildlife-day

AI can be used to resolve the Enforcement Problem, rather than necessarily arguing to introduce AI in new contexts

Danielle Duffield

https://slack-files.com/files-pri-safe/T04MQJ7EKU0-F07TQCAQEE9/12_-_duffield_-_the_case_for_cameras_-_september_2024.pdf?c=1730871104-def0c35bc4988b3a

The Sentience Institute focuses on expanding humanity’s moral circle specifically in-re technology. Although they also aim to include animals into the moral circle, they also have a stronger focus on other areas including Digital Minds

Sentience Institute

https://www.sentienceinstitute.org/

This article provides an overview of how AI can both positively and negatively affect animals. It serves as an ideal starting point for those new to the intersection of AI and animal welfare.

Max Taylor

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/ZNcdt7eYWW7YXALvx/what-ai-could-mean-for-animals

This article offers an overview of how AI can both positively and negatively impact animals, with a primary focus on farmed animals.

Lewis Bollard

https://www.openphilanthropy.org/research/what-could-ai-mean-for-animals/

This monthly newsletter from AIA tracks developments and provides resources at the intersection of AI and animals. Each issue includes an overview of a specific AI and animal-related topic, updates, opportunities, recent news, research publications, and resources.

Max Taylor

https://aiforanimals.substack.com/

This presentation at the International Animal Rights Conference features Sam Tucker discussing how AI can be leveraged to improve animal rights, including limiting harmful uses of AI in factory farming and promoting AI models that benefit animals.

Sam Tucker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQTbXp5zQ7o&ab_channel=InternationalAnimalRightsConference

An overview of how AI can affect animal advocacy both directly and indirectly

Faunalytics

https://www.youtube.com/live/24j9msP99s0

This study found that only 2 out of 68 public AI statements and none out of 71 computer/AI ethics courses contained a meaningful reference to animals.

Peter Singer, Yip Fai Tse

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43681-022-00187-z

This article provides an ethical evaluation of the involvement of animals in AI research. It highlights how animal testing continues to play a role in AI development, particularly in neurobiological experiments, while also examining how AI can have both positive and negative impacts on animals.

Leonie N. Bossert

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353739972_Animals_and_AI_The_role_of_animals_in_AI_research_and_application_-_An_overview_and_ethical_evaluation

This paper offers a systematic account of how AI technologies could harm nonhuman animals and explains why animal harms, often neglected in AI ethics, should be better recognized.

Simon Coghlan & Christine Parker, published by Springer

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13347-023-00627-6

This article highlights applications through which AI systems are or can be used to benefit nonhuman animals, and shows how these benefits can be classified using the harm framework proposed by Coghlan and Parker (Philosophy & Technology 36:25, 2023, Section 2)

by Leonie N. Bossert, published by Springer Link in 2023

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13347-023-00658-z

This article discusses the development of semi-autonomous and autonomous machines designed to interact safely and ethically with animals in various environments. The concept of "animal-friendly machines" involves creating prototypes that incorporate ethical decision trees to minimize harm to animals. The paper highlights completed projects and proposes future developments in machine ethics, focusing on enhancing animal welfare through improved design and decision-making processes.

by Oliver Bendel

https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/pjbr-2018-0019/html

This post urges animal advocates to proactively engage with AI developments to shape how technology will impact farmed animals. It emphasizes guiding AI applications in animal-related fields to prevent further exploitation and harness AI as a tool for advocacy, such as decoding animal communication, improving alternative proteins, and addressing speciesist biases in AI models.

Constance Li, Nicholas Kees Dupuis

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/oGoP4LjSZAsYfcF3N/animal-advocacy-in-the-age-of-ai-1

This short, 4 minute, video provides a brief overview of what AI is and how it is affecting animals.

Constance Li.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpIZw4Jy4wA

This report by Open Paws explores how AI is being integrated into animal advocacy efforts, including applications in research, campaigning, and resource allocation.

Open Paws

https://www.openpaws.ai/research-and-reports/report-on-the-use-of-ai-in-animal-advocacy

Brandon Keim discusses how AI is contributing to the understanding of animal consciousness and ethical considerations in animal rights.

Sentient Media

https://sentientmedia.org/sentient-podcast-brandon-keim/

This paper is particularly valuable for its focus on embedding animal welfare directly into the development and governance of AI systems. It emphasizes the need for explicit representation of animals in AI decision-making processes, risk assessments, and corporate policies. By proposing real-world mechanisms such as incorporating animals into mission statements and governance structures, it shifts the conversation from abstract ethics to concrete, actionable frameworks. The paper also highlights the necessity of building a specialized community at the intersection of AI safety and animal advocacy, ensuring long-term integration of animals into AI development for sustainable outcomes.

Max Taylor

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/2cZAzvaQefh5JxWdb/bringing-about-animal-inclusive-ai

This paper argues that the field of AI ethics should expand to give nonhuman animals more consistent and extensive moral consideration, moving beyond the current state where they are often ignored. While it emphasizes the need to include nonhumans in ethical discussions, it does not specify how to balance or weigh these interests.

by Andrea Owe & Seth D. Baum

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352172535_Moral_consideration_of_nonhumans_in_the_ethics_of_artificial_intelligence

This paper contends that AI should be designed with ethical considerations for animals, as AI systems can directly and indirectly affect animal welfare. The authors propose a framework to assess how large language models incorporate animal-friendly ethics, examining models like GPT-4 and Claude 2.1. They suggest that AI developers and policymakers integrate these concerns to benefit animals globally.

Sankalpa Ghose, Yip Fai Tse, Kasra Rasaee, Jeff Sebo, Peter Singer

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.01199

This collection of articles highlights the lack of animal consideration in AI and underscores the importance of including animals in AI ethics.

Policy For Animals

https://www.policyforanimals.org/AI_and_Animal_Welfare.pdf

This paper introduces Sentientist Coherent Extrapolated Volition (SCEV) as an alternative to traditional value-learning models like CEV, which focus only on human preferences. SCEV emphasizes including all sentient beings—non-human animals and potential digital minds—in AI design. By integrating the interests of all sentient beings, SCEV aims to prevent catastrophic outcomes and reduce suffering risks associated with excluding non-humans from AI alignment.

Adrià Moret

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/pNHH953sgSConBmzF/taking-into-account-sentient-non-humans-in-ai-ambitious

This paper introduces the concept of 'speciesist bias' in AI, highlighting how AI fairness research often overlooks discrimination against animals. Through normative analysis and case studies, it examines biases in AI systems like image recognition and language models. The findings show that speciesist patterns in datasets reinforce biases in AI applications, perpetuating and normalizing violence against animals.

Thilo Hagendorff, Leonie N. Bossert, Yip Fai Tse & Peter Singer ,

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43681-022-00199-9

This article discusses the neglected risk that AI systems may pose existential and suffering threats to nonhuman animals. It argues that the AI value alignment problem has focused only on human values, which is speciesist. The paper contends that AI should also be aligned with animal values, examines challenges in value extraction and aggregation, and explores approaches for integrating animal values into AI systems.

Soenke Ziesche

https://www.mdpi.com/2409-9287/6/2/31

This paper discusses a deep learning model that analyzes sow locomotion to detect lameness. The model uses skeletal key-point tracking to monitor animal movement and aims to improve welfare through early detection.

Guimarães de Paula et al., Scientific Reports

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-62151-7

The article discusses BirdAVES, a new AI model developed to analyze bird vocalizations using self-supervised learning. This model improves upon previous systems by over 20%, enhancing our ability to understand bird communication. BirdAVES uses a large dataset of bird sounds to aid in bioacoustic research and conservation efforts. Additionally, the model is freely available on GitHub for researchers to apply in further studies of bird behavior and communication.

Earth Species Org

https://www.earthspecies.org/blog/introducing-birdaves-self-supervised-audio-foundation-model-for-birds#:~:text=By%20Masato%20Hagiwara%2C%20Senior%20AI%20Research%20Scientist&text=Compared%20to%20AVES%2C%20the%20self,bird%2Drelated%20datasets%20and%20tasks.

This is a project where 1,000 people helped shape AI rules in "Collective Constitutional AI: Aligning a Language Model with Public Input." Despite consensus on considering animal well-being, animals are unfortunately not mentioned in Anthropic's actual or public constitution.

Anthropic

https://www.anthropic.com/news/collective-constitutional-ai-aligning-a-language-model-with-public-input

The complex issue of determining whether future AI systems might possess moral status and what that could mean for ethical decision-making in AI development.

Cody Fenwick

https://80000hours.org/problem-profiles/moral-status-digital-minds/

A former general counsel of the U.S. Department of Commerce, discusses the challenges and potential improvements of the UN's draft AI governance plan. It proposes a more flexible and agile approach to global AI cooperation.

Cameron Kerry

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-good-the-not-so-good-and-the-ugly-of-the-uns-blueprint-for-ai/

This podcast emphasizes the need to consider the nth-order effects of solutions, with specific mention of artificial intelligence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8tX7kMJDT4&ab_channel=SpaceScienceGuy

This paper presents a case study on surveying large language models to elicit their encoded moral beliefs. It introduces statistical methods to quantify LLMs' choices, uncertainty, and consistency. By administering a survey with 1,367 moral scenarios to 28 LLMs, the study finds that in unambiguous cases, models align with commonsense, while in ambiguous cases, they often express uncertainty or show varied preferences, with closed-source models tending to agree.

Scherrer et al.

https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.14324

This forum hosts a week-long debate on AI's role in animal welfare, bringing together various perspectives on how AI might influence the future of animal advocacy.

Effective Altruism Forum

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/topics/ai-welfare-debate-week-2024

This research paper discusses the use of AI for analyzing animal behavior and improving welfare, focusing on the role of behavior in predicting welfare states.

Frontiers in Animal Science

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/animal-science/articles/10.3389/fanim.2021.639678/full#T2

The article discusses how AI could soon help humans better understand animal communication by analyzing sensory data, such as sounds and smells. This could transform veterinary care, allowing early detection of health issues in animals that often hide symptoms, like rabbits. It could also help interpret complex signals from animals like snakes and fish. However, AI may also reveal distressing information about animals' treatment and environments, raising ethical concerns.

Noa Leach

https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/talking-to-animals-ai

The article discusses BirdAVES, a new AI model developed to analyze bird vocalizations using self-supervised learning. This model improves upon previous systems by over 20%, enhancing our ability to understand bird communication. BirdAVES uses a large dataset of bird sounds to aid in bioacoustic research and conservation efforts. Additionally, the model is freely available on GitHub for researchers to apply in further studies of bird behavior and communication.

Earth Species Org

https://www.earthspecies.org/blog/introducing-birdaves-self-supervised-audio-foundation-model-for-birds

The article discusses SuperAnimal, an AI tool developed by EPFL to analyze animal behavior across species without human intervention. SuperAnimal uses movement tracking to improve accuracy in veterinary medicine, conservation, neuroscience, and agriculture. This tool aims to revolutionize animal behavior analysis, providing an objective and scalable method for studying diverse species and enhancing research efficiency.

Earth.com

https://www.earth.com/news/ai-tool-superanimal-can-accurately-analyze-animal-behavior/

The article attached to the podcast discusses AI’s role in studying animal intelligence, emphasizing its capacity to analyze non-verbal communication like body language and gestures. Research, such as Catherine Hobaiter’s work on chimpanzee gestures, benefits from AI’s analytical capabilities. However, the article cautions that AI should complement, not replace, traditional animal communication research, highlighting its role as a tool rather than a definitive solution.

Sentient Media

https://sentientmedia.org/sentient-podcast-brandon-keim/

This podcast discusses AI-assisted human-animal communication and the Coller Dolittle prize, which supports research aimed at advancing interspecies communication. Peter Gabriel endorses the prize, while Prof. Yossi Yovel provides insights into the initiative, emphasizing AI’s potential to bridge communication between humans and animals and recognizing the scientific achievements in this area.

BBC Sounds

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct5wmb

The article discusses how AI and data analytics are transforming broiler genetics by enabling more precise measurement of traits like growth rate and feed efficiency. AI also helps improve subjective assessments such as gait quality and leg health. Additionally, AI can monitor mating behaviors, potentially improving hatch rates and overall efficiency in broiler production.

WattAgNet

https://www.wattagnet.com/poultry-future/chicken-marketing-summit-news/article/15679222/how-artificial-intelligence-could-transform-broiler-genetics

The article describes an AI-based smart breeding system used in Tiantaishan Village, China, to monitor chickens' well-being. Developed by Tencent Cloud and students from Shenzhen University, the system enhances farm management, prevents disease, and protects chickens from predators. Consumers can track chickens via a mobile app, offering transparency and improving overall farm efficiency.

People’s Daily Online

http://en.people.cn/n3/2024/0627/c90000-20186438.html

The article discusses AI-powered lasers developed by iChase.io to protect poultry farms from wild birds that may carry highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The AI identifies and tracks birds, deploying randomized laser patterns to keep them away. This method strengthens biosecurity, offering a proactive solution to prevent HPAI outbreaks, which have affected millions of farmed birds.

WattAgNet

https://www.wattagnet.com/poultry-meat/diseases-health/avian-influenza/article/15678424/aipowered-lasers-could-keep-hpai-away-from-poultry-farms

The article discusses Sainsbury’s use of AI technology, Vet Vision AI, to monitor dairy cows 24/7. The system tracks health and behavior, detecting early signs of disease and suggesting improvements for cow welfare. This AI application aims to enhance productivity by ensuring better animal comfort and health.

Sainsbury's

https://www.about.sainsburys.co.uk/news/latest-news/2024/01-07-2024-sainsburys-first-retailer-to-use-ai-technology-to-improve-animal-welfare

This article describes 406 Bovine’s AI technology that uses facial recognition to identify cattle with 99% accuracy. By replacing traditional methods like ear tags, the system improves data collection and animal management, helping ranchers streamline operations

PR Newswire

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/406-bovine-facial-recognition-driving-adoption-of-artificial-intelligence-applications-in-animal-agriculture-302195174.html

The article discusses how CattleEye uses AI video analytics to monitor cow behavior and detect health issues like lameness. By providing real-time insights, it aims to enhance animal welfare and boost farm productivity.

AWS Startups

https://aws.amazon.com/startups/learn/how-cattleeye-is-improving-the-lives-of-farmers-and-their-livestock-through-pioneering-ai

This article explores AI’s role in improving dairy farming by detecting diseases like lameness and mastitis early. It also highlights challenges such as data privacy and adoption hurdles. AI could greatly benefit both animal welfare and farm productivity.

Progressive Dairy

https://www.agproud.com/articles/59823-dairy-farming-20-milking-the-potential-of-artificial-intelligence

This paper discusses a deep learning model that analyzes sow locomotion to detect lameness. The model uses skeletal key-point tracking to monitor animal movement and aims to improve welfare through early detection.

Guimarães de Paula et al., Scientific Reports

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-62151-7

The article explores how precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies use AI to continuously monitor and manage pigs, improving welfare. It emphasizes the need for practical integration and addressing social and ethical concerns.

Siegford, Advances in Pig Welfare

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780323856768000158#:~:text=Precision%20Livestock%20Farming%20(PLF)%20applies,time%20(Berckmans%2C%202017).

The article explains how AI is used in salmon aquaculture to automate gender-sorting. AI enhances accuracy and efficiency, improving production and enabling better animal welfare through stress reduction and early disease detection.

Global Seafood

https://www.globalseafood.org/advocate/using-ai-to-streamline-gender-sorting-processes-in-salmon-aquaculture/

This article discusses the use of an AI-powered device to monitor water for harmful algal blooms (HABs). The device provides near real-time alerts, helping salmon farms mitigate risks and protect their stock from toxic algae.

The Fish Site

https://thefishsite.com/articles/training-ai-to-detect-harmful-algal-blooms

Wittaya Aqua's AI platform supports seafood farmers by providing real-time data insights and optimizing feed use, improving production efficiency and sustainability. The platform has expanded across Asia to enhance decision-making in aquaculture.

TechCrunch

https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/16/wittaya-aquas-data-driven-ai-helps-seafood-farmers-increase-aquaculture-production/?guccounter=1

This video highlights a vertical shrimp farm in Singapore that has reached cost parity with traditional coastal aquaculture. The success is attributed to an AI-operated system managing daily operations, showcasing technological advancements and sustainable farming practices.

Oneindia News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNdSYyFm2_8&ab_channel=OneindiaNews

Mode40, a Canadian company, is developing an AI-driven system to regulate meat processing temperatures, improving food safety and meat quality. By monitoring temperature, humidity, and wind speed, the AI enhances cooling processes in real-time. Commercialization is expected by early 2026.

The Western Producer

https://www.producer.com/livestock/ai-reaches-into-the-meat-locker/

This article discusses the integration of AI in Canadian farming, focusing on BETSY, an AI ranch hand that helps monitor livestock health and behavior. AI increases efficiency and reduces labor costs, transforming farm management.

The Globe and Mail

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-ai-ranch-hands-and-data-driven-plant-factories-offer-a-glimpse-into/

The European feed industry is slowly adopting AI for efficiency in operations like pelleting, but progress is hindered by high costs, data privacy concerns, and conservative practices. AI offers improvements in monitoring, consistency, and throughput, though widespread adoption remains limited.

All About Feed

https://www.allaboutfeed.net/market/market-trends/feed-industry-faces-hurdles-in-ai-adoption/

Precision technology offers benefits for livestock health and efficiency, but challenges like economic risks, knowledge gaps, and lack of commercially viable solutions slow adoption. Farmers need cost-effective, user-friendly technology to fully embrace precision farming.

Manitoba Co-operator

https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/livestock/livestocks-problem-with-precision-tech/

This article highlights the importance of transparency in agriculture, with DNA TraceBack technology enhancing traceability from farm to table. Precision livestock farming further supports transparency by providing detailed, real-time data on animal health and resource use

Detroit News

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/2024/07/22/deven-to-thrive-ag-industry-must-increase-transparency/74457092007/

This study identifies over 80 welfare issues in small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, and explores how precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies can address these issues. PLF monitors indicators like weight, behavior, and milk quality that can be used to identify issues in animal care.

ScienceDirect: (Morgan-Davies et al., Animal)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751731124001642

This paper discusses AI’s role in transforming livestock farming through biometric techniques, remote sensing, and computer vision to monitor health and welfare. AI enables non-invasive tracking of core body temperature, heart rates, and stress responses.

Fuentes et al., Cambridge University Press

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal-health-research-reviews/article/livestock-farming-digital-transformation-implementation-of-new-and-emerging-technologies-using-artificial-intelligence/3A50E1FBDEA8C13506D479828D7B2F57

This news article highlights how scientists in Australia have developed AI software for satellites to detect wildfires within an hour, potentially saving millions of animals. Early detection could significantly reduce the devastating impact of future wildfires, improving wildlife survival rates.

Discover Wildlife

https://www.discoverwildlife.com/environment/ai-saving-animals-from-deadly-wildfires-in-australia/

This research article explains how AI is being used to combat illegal wildlife trade by identifying endangered bird species through their vocalizations. The bioacoustic technology offers over 90% accuracy and can be deployed in a smartphone app for real-time identification, aiding wildlife protection enforcement.

Phys.org

https://phys.org/news/2024-07-artificial-intelligence-illegal-wildlife.html

This article discusses how AI is helping scientists identify new species by analyzing data from smartphones and monitoring systems. While AI shows promise, there are concerns about its reliability due to incomplete data and lower accuracy with low-resolution images.

Live Science

https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/ai-is-rapidly-identifying-new-species-can-we-trust-the-results

This news article reports on the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve expanding its AI-based system to reduce human-animal conflict. AI monitors wildlife behavior, providing early warnings about tigers and leopards near villages, helping protect both humans and animals.

Times of India

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/tadoba-ai-based-system-expansion-for-man-animal-conflict-mitigation/articleshow/111645735.cms

This article explains how Bond Pet Foods uses AI and precision fermentation to produce animal-free proteins for pet food. By bioengineering microorganisms to create proteins identical to those found in animal meat, Bond aims to offer sustainable and nutritionally complete alternatives to traditional pet food, reducing the industry's reliance on animal proteins.

Petfood Processing

https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18319-the-scientific-future-of-pet-food-leveraging-alternative-proteins

This article reports on MOA Foodtech's use of AI to create sustainable microbial proteins through precision fermentation. These proteins are designed for use in plant-based foods like meat and cheese. With recent investments, MOA aims to expand their AI platform and enhance ingredient creation for a global market launch.

Vegconomist

https://vegconomist.com/investments-finance/moa-foodtech-funds-scale-ai-driven-production-microbial-proteins/

This news article highlights two University of Waterloo researchers using AI to advance cultivated seafood production. With over $700,000 in funding, their research focuses on improving understanding of fish cell growth and differentiation to create sustainable seafood options

University of Waterloo

https://uwaterloo.ca/news/leveraging-ai-cultivated-seafood-research

This article covers Proxy Foods' CEO discussing how AI can assist in overcoming challenges in the alternative protein market. The company's AI platform helps food developers optimize flavor, nutrition, and costs, aiming to simplify product formulation for food scientists, similar to how Canva simplifies design.

Food Navigator USA

https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2024/07/25/Proxy-Foods-CEO-on-AI-s-potential-in-alt-protein-market-creating-Canva-for-the-food-scientist

This article highlights key trends from the IFT FIRST 2024 conference, emphasizing AI's role in the food industry. AI is helping optimize recipes, enhance taste and nutrition, reduce waste, and predict market trends, driving innovation and sustainability in food production.

Vegconomist

https://vegconomist.com/fairs-and-events/guest-post-top-trends-ift-first-2024-shaping-future-food-ai-novel-ingredients/

This research article discusses a project aimed at developing AI models that incorporate animal welfare considerations. It builds on previous work to refine evaluation methods, aiming to make AI systems more aligned with animal-friendly values while raising awareness of AI's potential in animal advocacy.

AI Safety Fundamentals

https://aisafetyfundamentals.com/projects/ai-animal-welfare-creating-an-animal-friendly-model/

This research paper evaluates moral decision-making in AI models across multiple languages, using trolley problem scenarios to study human versus animal preferences. The study finds that large language models generally prioritize saving humans over animals, though this preference varies across cultures.

Arxiv

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2407.02273

This forum discussion covers the July 1–7 ‘AI Welfare Debate Week’ on the EA Forum, where users debated whether AI welfare should be a priority for effective altruism (EA). Supporters argued that focusing on AI welfare could safeguard the well-being of potentially trillions of artificial minds, while critics felt it detracts from more urgent issues like AI safety and alignment. The debate also addressed practical challenges, including defining AI welfare and the risks of early interventions.

Effective Altruism Forum

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/topics/ai-welfare-debate-week-2024

This research paper presents findings from the Artificial Intelligence, Morality, and Sentience (AIMS) survey, the first nationally representative study on public attitudes toward sentient AI. Conducted in 2021 and 2023 with over 3,500 participants, the survey found that moral concern for AI had significantly increased, with 71% agreeing that sentient AI deserve respect and 38% supporting legal rights for AI. However, opposition to advanced AI technologies is also rising, with most respondents supporting a ban on sentient AI and AI smarter than humans.

Jacy Reese Anthis, Janet V.T. Pauketat, Ali Ladak, Aikaterina Manoli

https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.08867

This news article discusses the development of "CyberOctopus," an AI system inspired by the neural circuits of sea slugs and octopuses. Created at the University of Illinois, the AI uses associative learning and episodic memory to navigate new environments, seek rewards, and adapt in real time, showcasing advancements in AI learning and memory processing.

University of Illinois

https://las.illinois.edu/news/2024-06-27/cyberoctopus-new-ai-explores-remembers-seeks-novelty-overcomes-obstacles

This report summarizes findings from a survey of 194 participants from 142 animal advocacy organizations regarding AI usage. While 72.2% of respondents had positive attitudes toward AI and 50.5% used it for content creation, key challenges like limited technical expertise and concerns over AI accuracy hinder wider adoption. The report recommends offering technical training and funding assistance to integrate AI more effectively into the sector.

Open Paws

https://www.openpaws.ai/research-and-reports/report-on-the-use-of-ai-in-animal-advocacy

This paper explores the impact of AI and robotics on human-animal relations, particularly in contexts like agriculture and zoos. The study offers a descriptive analysis of how these technologies disrupt traditional interactions and a normative perspective on the moral implications of replacing biological animals with AI-driven entities. The authors call for a non-anthropocentric approach to these changes, emphasizing their ethical significance.

Bossert et al., Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-03441-3

This article examines AI's potential to replace animal testing within the 3 R framework, focusing on digital twin systems, organoids, and AI algorithms that simulate human biology. While AI offers promising alternatives, challenges remain in replicating the complexity of biological systems. Researchers are divided on how well AI can perform this role, and while animal testing cannot be fully replaced yet, AI provides a promising path forward.

Agnès Vernet

https://www.polytechnique-insights.com/en/columns/science/can-ai-replace-animal-testing/

This essay explores the ethical risks posed by AI-assisted farming, focusing on the welfare of farmed animals. AI is increasingly used to optimize farming practices, from monitoring animal behavior to automating feeding and milking systems. However, the essay warns that AI could exacerbate existing welfare issues, such as intensifying factory farming conditions and reducing the scope for human care. To mitigate these risks, the author suggests integrating ethical safeguards into AI development, promoting transparency, and considering alternative farming models that prioritize animal welfare.

Virginie Simoneau-Gilbert and Jonathan Birch, Aeon

https://aeon.co/essays/how-to-reduce-the-ethical-dangers-of-ai-assisted-farming

AI's role in precision livestock farming (PLF) poses significant risks to nonhuman animals by increasing the efficiency of factory farms, likely leading to a higher number of animals suffering. While individual welfare effects are uncertain, the overall impact is negative. The author urges inclusion of animal risks in AI governance and advocates for restrictions on PLF in industrial farming.

Zachary Brown

https://beforeporcelain.substack.com/p/we-should-campaign-to-restrict-ai

This article explores the Earth Species Project, which aims to decode animal communication by analyzing vast datasets of vocalizations and behaviors in species like crows, whales, and rodents. AI advancements are enabling scientists to understand animal distress or needs better, which could strengthen animal rights arguments. However, the potential misuse of AI in factory farming, where it might be used to exploit animals by modifying their behaviors for efficiency, is also a concern.

Steven Rouk

https://sentientmedia.org/ai-animal-communication-breakthroughs/

Project CETI uses AI to study sperm whale communication, particularly their codas, with hopes to decode and mimic whale sounds. The goal is to understand if these sounds function as a form of language. However, experts express concern over whether AI-generated sounds could confuse whales, disrupting natural behavior and leading to unintended consequences. There's also skepticism about whether codas hold the complexity AI hopes to decipher.

Project CETI

https://www.projectceti.org/

The video discusses the use of AI to decode complex vocalizations of animals like African elephants. Researchers have made substantial progress, but validating AI’s accuracy in deciphering these vocalizations remains a significant challenge. AI's role in improving human-animal communication is promising but faces hurdles in confirming its efficacy across different species.

Vox

https://www.vox.com/videos/364124/ai-talk-communicate-animals-machine-learning

The 2024 Cobb Research Initiative focuses on advancing poultry genetics through collaborations with various research entities. Projects like 'Digital Twins for Better Broilers' and Prophet AI’s 'Virtual Data Powered AI for Digital Health Phenotype Tracking' aim to use AI to enhance broiler chicken health and efficiency, leveraging precision farming techniques

The Poultry Site

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/news/2024/08/unlocking-the-next-generation-of-genetics-2024-cobb-research-initiative-cri-funding-announced

Professor Ben Hayes from the University of Queensland discusses how AI is accelerating genetic and genomic selection in beef farming. AI tools are improving the efficiency of selecting traits that contribute to better beef quality and overall herd performance, helping the industry meet consumer demands more effectively.

The Weekly Grill

https://www.beefcentral.com/weekly-grill/s4-ep28-prof-ben-hayes-on-how-ai-is-driving-genetic-progress-in-beef/

This study presents a new AI-driven cattle identification system that uses back pattern recognition captured by overhead cameras to track and monitor cattle. The system works well in varied farm environments and offers a cost-effective, contactless method for continuous monitoring, which could benefit large-scale beef production.

Mon et al., Nature

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-68418-3

Veterinarians are generally more optimistic than producers about the benefits of precision livestock farming (PLF). Both groups see value in PLF for improving piglet survival, reducing lameness, and addressing respiratory issues, but veterinarians prioritize health outcomes, while producers weigh broader operational factors when deciding whether to adopt the technology.

Michigan State University

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how-producers-vets-think-precision-livestock-farming-help-farms

Tidal, Google’s aquaculture AI spin-off, is expanding to Australia and Chile, having secured new funding. Tidal’s AI technology helps salmon farmers optimize feeding, monitor welfare, and track growth with autonomous systems, aiming to address key challenges in the industry, such as improving farm efficiency and sustainability.

Undercurrent News

https://www.undercurrentnews.com/2024/08/13/googles-aquaculture-ai-spin-off-to-expand-to-australia-chile-with-new-funding/

In Southwest China, a digital aquaponics facility uses AI to manage both fish farming and vegetable growing, creating a system with minimal human intervention. AI-driven models control feeding and monitor water quality, significantly improving efficiency while reducing operational costs.

People’s Daily Online

http://en.people.cn/n3/2024/0806/c90000-20202633.html

Adoption of precision livestock farming (PLF) technology faces obstacles, such as economic risks, complexity, and data control concerns. Farmers are hesitant to invest without clear returns on investment, and the management of the data generated by these systems raises additional issues, such as privacy and ownership.

The Western Producer

https://www.producer.com/livestock/precision-livestock-tech-has-hurdles/

KPM Analytics launched the AI-powered TheiaVu WD-300 system for meat and poultry industries, offering automated vision inspections that assess product attributes like fat distribution, thickness, and cook color. This system aims to improve accuracy and efficiency in identifying product defects and ensure better quality control.

Quality Assurance and Food Safety

https://www.qualityassurancemag.com/news/kpm-analytics-unveils-ai-powered-at-line-vision-inspection-system-for-meat-and-poultry/

This podcast features discussions on how AI technology is transforming marine biology by enabling researchers to track and monitor whale and dolphin populations through facial or fin recognition. By analyzing unique physical characteristics, AI assists in understanding animal behavior and ecology, ultimately contributing to conservation efforts. Such innovations are crucial for the protection of these marine species as they face threats from climate change and human activity.

WBUR

https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2024/07/31/ai-whale-recognition

In a significant conservation initiative, researchers are leveraging AI to identify individual African forest elephants through their unique physical traits, such as tusks and skin wrinkles. This technology, developed in partnership with IBM, aids in accurately estimating populations, essential for tailored conservation strategies and community engagement. By improving monitoring methods, AI has the potential to significantly enhance conservation efforts, particularly for endangered species in vulnerable ecosystems.

Discover Wildlife

https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/using-ai-to-conserve-african-forest-elephants

AI systems implemented by the UK’s Network Rail are effectively preventing deer from crossing railway tracks. By using AI-powered sensors and cameras, the technology detects approaching deer and triggers alarms to divert them, thus reducing wildlife collisions. This innovative use of AI not only enhances road safety for animals and humans but also illustrates the potential of technology in wildlife management.

BBC News

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg5l4jq231o

This initiative highlights how students developed an AI-powered thermal dashcam designed to detect deer and other wildlife on roadways, particularly in low-light conditions. The system alerts drivers through visual and auditory signals, aiming to prevent accidents and promote safer interactions between wildlife and vehicles. This project showcases the role of youth innovation in leveraging AI for practical wildlife conservation efforts.

Outdoor Life

https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/ai-thermal-wildlife-vehicle-collisions/

AI technologies are revolutionizing the fight against environmental crime in Africa by analyzing large datasets to detect patterns of poaching and illegal fishing. Tools like TrailGuard and Skylight utilize AI for real-time monitoring and response, enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement. This application of AI is critical in safeguarding endangered species and preserving biodiversity in areas affected by organized crime.

Enact Africa

https://enactafrica.org/enact-observer/ai-can-turn-the-tide-on-organised-environmental-crime-in-africa

In Hong Kong, experts are employing AI to boost conservation efforts by detecting wildfires and tracking endangered bird populations. Startups are developing advanced surveillance technologies that automate wildlife monitoring, helping to manage habitats effectively. This application of AI not only aids in immediate conservation actions but also contributes to long-term strategies for protecting biodiversity.

South China Morning Post

https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/news/hong-kong/article/3274981/ai-can-detect-wildfires-and-monitor-endangered-birds-according-hong-kong-experts-start

This article discusses Redefine Meat is using AI and 3D printing technology to create plant-based meat products that mimic the texture and flavor of real meat. This expansion into the European market underscores the growing role of AI in food technology, which not only helps in product innovation but also addresses sustainability concerns by reducing reliance on animal agriculture.

Food Manufacture

https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2024/08/02/redefine-meat-expands-its-reach-into-the-eu

This article discusses Equinom’s Manna™ technology employs AI to optimize the production of high-protein yellow peas by analyzing biochemical parameters. This innovative approach significantly increases protein content and minimizes environmental impacts, demonstrating how AI can enhance agricultural practices. By improving the efficiency of plant-based food production, such advancements contribute to the growing alternative protein market and reduce the ecological footprint of food production.

Vegconomist

https://vegconomist.com/food-and-beverage/protein/equinoms-ai-driven-manna-technology-commercially-available-high-protein-pea-production/

This article discusses Startups like New Culture and Climax Foods are harnessing AI and precision fermentation to develop vegan cheeses that replicate the taste and texture of traditional dairy products. By using machine learning to analyze plant-based proteins, these companies aim to create sustainable alternatives that reduce the need for animal-based dairy, showcasing the intersection of technology and food innovation in the alternative protein sector.

Grist

https://grist.org/food-and-agriculture/best-vegan-cheese-climax-new-culture-alt-proteins/

This article discusses the role of AI in optimizing bioprocesses for cultivated meat production. By transitioning to more affordable food-grade bioreactors, AI can analyze real-time sensor data to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. These advancements are crucial for scaling lab-grown meat, which offers a sustainable alternative to traditional animal agriculture.

Food Navigator USA (vox)

https://www.vox.com/videos/364124/ai-talk-communicate-animals-machine-learning

This Blog discusses Planted is utilizing Microsoft's AI technologies to streamline its manufacturing processes for plant-based foods. By enhancing data management and automating production tasks, the company aims to boost productivity and sustainability in its operations. This exemplifies the critical role of AI in transforming the food industry, particularly in developing alternatives to animal products.

Microsoft

https://news.microsoft.com/de-ch/2024/08/08/planted-leverages-ai-for-sustainable-growth-using-microsoft-copilot/

PETA has launched an innovative virtual reality experience on meta, “When they came for us" where players encounter AI-driven aliens in scenarios that evoke empathy for animals. This engaging medium highlights ethical dilemmas in animal exploitation, using technology to inspire awareness and challenge perceptions of animal rights.

PETA

https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/new-virtual-reality-experience-puts-players-at-the-mercy-of-ai-powered-aliens/

The Earth Species Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to decoding animal communication using AI. They aim to develop a universal translator for interspecies communication by analyzing vast datasets of animal vocalizations and behaviors. The project focuses on fostering empathy and understanding between species through AI technology.

Earth Species

https://www.earthspecies.org/

Interspecies.io Interspecies I/O focuses on collaborative research using AI to bridge communication gaps between humans and animals. The platform connects technologists, biologists, and artists to develop AI-powered tools for decoding animal communication, enabling greater empathy and conservation efforts. The initiative is rooted in exploring ethical interspecies communication.

Interspecies.io

https://www.interspecies.io/

This blog post by the Earth Species Project delves into the "cocktail party problem," where AI is being used to distinguish individual animal vocalizations within noisy environments. This challenge is crucial for deciphering animal communication patterns, especially in species like whales, where social interactions involve overlapping sounds It reflects on advances in AI and how they enable humans to decode whale communication.

Tom Mustill

https://www.tommustill.com/afterword-to-how-to-speak-whale

This blog post by the Earth Species Project delves into the "cocktail party problem," where AI is being used to distinguish individual animal vocalizations within noisy environments. This challenge is crucial for deciphering animal communication patterns, especially in species like whales, where social interactions involve overlapping sounds.

Earth Species

https://www.earthspecies.org/blog/solving-the-cocktail-party-problem

This research article outlines how machine learning techniques can model animal behaviors across different contexts. By using AI, researchers can analyze large-scale behavioral datasets, leading to new insights into animal cognition and welfare. This interdisciplinary approach offers significant advances in understanding complex animal interactions.

ScienceDirect

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004222006642

This paper explores how AI models, originally developed for human speech recognition, can be adapted to decode and analyze non-human animal vocalizations.

Arxiv

https://arxiv.org/abs/1504.04658

This study explores how African elephants use individually specific calls to address one another, analogous to human names. Using machine learning, researchers identified these unique call patterns and found that elephants responded more to calls addressed to them. This discovery offers new insights into non-human animal communication, shedding light on language evolution.

Nature

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02420-w

This study examines compression in animal communication using AI-driven clustering techniques. Researchers applied affinity propagation clustering and support vector machines (SVMs) to analyze gibbon vocalizations, achieving 74% accuracy in predicting phrase types. While Menzerath's Law was supported, the study did not find evidence for Zipf's Law. AI methods helped uncover complex patterns in gibbon vocal communication, advancing understanding of linguistic laws in non-human species.

Royal Society Open Science)

https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.200151

This study uses AI-driven classifiers to decode macaque vocalizations. By analyzing the modulation power spectrum of calls, the researchers identified key acoustic features, like fundamental frequency and FM sweep direction, that help classify individual callers. AI-based regularized classifiers showed that a combination of spectrotemporal components is essential for reliable identification, advancing the use of AI in understanding primate communication systems.

Royal Society Publishing

https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsos.150432

This research investigates the vocal complexity of long calls in Bornean orangutans, analyzing various features such as duration, pitch, and frequency modulation. The study finds that these vocalizations exhibit significant individual variation and context-specific usage, suggesting that long calls may serve important social functions. The findings contribute to understanding the evolution of communication in primates and the potential cognitive capabilities of orangutans.

PeerJ

https://peerj.com/articles/17320/

This study uses AI-driven classifiers to decode macaque vocalizations. By analyzing the modulation power spectrum of calls, the researchers identified key acoustic features, like fundamental frequency and FM sweep direction, that help classify individual callers. AI-based regularized classifiers showed that a combination of spectrotemporal components is essential for reliable identification, advancing the use of AI in understanding primate communication systems.

Arxiv: (Bioacoustics Research)

https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.01253

The Earth Species Project collaborates with conservationists and researchers to decode animal communication through AI. Their projects include decoding whale songs and primate calls, aiming to create AI systems that can translate and facilitate human-animal communication, potentially transforming conservation and animal welfare efforts.

Earth Species

https://www.earthspecies.org/what-we-do/projects

This article discusses research demonstrating that bats possess the ability to communicate specific information about their surroundings through their calls. The study reveals how bats use vocalizations to convey details about food sources and potential dangers, highlighting the complexity of their communication systems. This research contributes to our understanding of animal communication and cognitive abilities, offering insights into how information is encoded and shared in animal vocalizations.

Tel Aviv University

https://english.tau.ac.il/news/bat_calls_information

This article discusses the potential of artificial intelligence to facilitate communication with whales, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and implications of such advancements. It reflects on the ongoing debate among experts about the benefits and risks associated with using AI to interact with cetaceans, emphasizing the need for responsible approaches in this innovative field.

Salon

https://www.salon.com/2024/08/23/cetacean-conversation-ai-could-let-us-talk-to-whales-experts-question-if-thats-a-good-idea/

This table compiles reading suggestions from the AI for Animals community, featuring both fiction and non-fiction books that explore the intersection of AI and animals.

https://airtable.com/app6YpKczcKGQ79Rp/shrg5vpSBfuFjhXQ2

This blog post from Earth Species outlines their technical roadmap for AI-powered animal communication research. It details the milestones achieved and future goals aimed at enhancing our understanding of animal languages and vocalizations. By sharing their strategies, Earth Species aims to engage the community in the journey towards improved interactions with non-human species.

Earth Species

https://www.earthspecies.org/blog/esp-technical-roadmap

This video from Vox explores the intersection of AI and animal communication, discussing how machine learning techniques are being utilized to interpret and analyze animal sounds. The segment emphasizes the scientific advancements in understanding animal vocalizations and the transformative potential of these technologies for future communication with various species

Vox

https://www.vox.com/videos/364124/ai-talk-communicate-animals-machine-learning

This article explains how AI is being employed to decipher the unique vocalizations that function as "names" among animal communities. It discusses the significance of these findings in enhancing our understanding of social structures and interactions within animal groups, showcasing the promising future of AI in revealing the complexities of animal communication.

MIT Technology Review

https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/08/29/1103353/how-machine-learning-is-helping-us-probe-the-secret-names-of-animals/

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen utilized artificial intelligence to decode 19 distinct vocalizations of pigs, identifying emotional states such as happiness, sadness, fear, frustration, and stress. Analyzing over 15,000 recorded pig grunts revealed that pigs in conventional farming expressed distress more frequently (25%) than those in outdoor environments (8%), highlighting significant differences in welfare associated with farming practices.

The Local

https://www.thelocal.dk/20240904/danish-researchers-use-ai-to-understand-pigs

Google Research has developed a cutting-edge AI model capable of recognizing the vocalizations of eight distinct whale species, including various call types and the newly identified "Biotwang" sound from Bryde's whales. By converting audio recordings into spectrograms for classification, this AI system has successfully labeled over 200,000 hours of underwater recordings, enhancing our understanding of whale ecology and migration patterns.

Google Research

https://research.google/blog/whistles-songs-boings-and-biotwangs-recognizing-whale-vocalizations-with-ai/

This article introduces a Chinese company has created a five-meter-long robotic whale shark that uses artificial intelligence for navigation. Researchers plan to deploy this AI-powered robot to deepen our understanding of marine animals and their ecosystems, potentially revolutionizing how we study and interact with underwater species.

Times of India

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/the-worlds-first-robotic-ai-shark-can-do-this/articleshow/113734153.cms

This podcast features an interview with Shane Gero from Project CETI, discussing the Project CETI employs AI and autonomous submarines to record and analyze sperm whale vocalizations, focusing on distinct "codas" that convey cultural information related to clan identity and behaviour. This project uses machine learning models to process vast audio datasets, revealing complex communication patterns that vary with context and enhancing our understanding of whale social structures.

Wisconsin Public Radio

https://www.wpr.org/culture/translating-whale-ai-project-ceti-shane-gero

This article discusses Nottingham Trent University having launched a £3 million project focusing on the integration of insect protein and artificial intelligence to tackle health and welfare challenges in poultry farming. By leveraging AI, the project aims to enhance animal welfare standards while optimizing production processes

Food Manufacture

https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2024/09/09/new-3m-project-to-address-health-and-welfare-issues-in-poultry-production

This report explains how the Environmental Working Group employed AI to map 357 million chickens and turkeys across North Carolina's factory farms, revealing a significant 43% increase since 2007. This investigation highlights environmental concerns related to poultry operations, including pollution risks from the large volumes of manure produced annually.

Environmental Working Group

https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2024/09/using-ai-ewg-maps-357m-poultry-north-carolinas-factory-farms

This article examines how AI is enhancing welfare monitoring in poultry farming by detecting issues like lameness and health problems through behavioral analysis. Automated systems can track subtle changes in environmental conditions and animal health, allowing for more accurate welfare assessments while minimizing human error.

AviNews

https://avinews.com/en/animal-welfare-and-artificial-intelligence/

This article discusses how Norwegian aquaculture startups, such as Manolin and Biofeyn, are employing AI and advanced technologies to enhance fish farming's efficiency and sustainability. Manolin utilizes AI-driven predictive modeling to foresee health issues and improve breeding practices for salmon, while Biofeyn focuses on nanotechnology to enhance nutrition and deliver vaccines through feed. These innovations aim to create a more resilient aquaculture industry, addressing both economic and environmental concerns.

SeafoodSource

https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/aquaculture/ai-data-modelling-and-nanotechnology-are-innovations-every-farmer-should-be-taking-note-of

This research highlights Ace Aquatec's A-BIOMASS camera, which uses AI and machine learning to provide accurate real-time biomass estimates at Mount Cook Alpine Salmon's farm in New Zealand. This technology has improved harvest results and reduced fish stress, paving the way for potential expansion across the aquaculture industry in Oceania.

The Fish Site

https://thefishsite.com/articles/advanced-biomass-camera-proves-a-success-for-new-zealand-salmon-farms

This blog post from the Environmental Defense Fund emphasizes the role of advanced AI and robotics in promoting sustainability within aquaculture. These technologies enable automated feeding, disease detection, and remote monitoring, which are essential for minimizing environmental impacts and enhancing the efficiency of fish farming practices.

Environmental Defense Fund

https://blogs.edf.org/edfish/2024/09/23/a-look-at-science-technology-and-artificial-intelligence-for-sustainable-aquaculture/

This article discusses Smartrawl, an AI-driven tool designed to minimize bycatch during bottom trawling. By utilizing smart gates and cameras to sort fish by species and size, Smartrawl aims to improve sustainability in fisheries, reducing waste and helping fishers meet regulatory catch limits.

Global Seafood Alliance

https://www.globalseafood.org/advocate/the-ai-tool-that-aims-to-make-bottom-trawling-smarter-and-prevent-bycatch-and-discards/

This research details the Fish-AI project's development of an in vitro platform for testing aquafeeds using fish intestinal cell lines, significantly reducing the necessity for live animal trials. While currently focusing on gut health, this innovation represents a step towards more ethical and efficient aquaculture practices.

AquaFeed

https://www.aquafeed.com/newsroom/editors-picks/fish-ai-project-develops-artificial-intestine-platform-to-revolutionize-aquafeed-trials/

This news report outlines an AI-powered project in Abu Dhabi aimed at enhancing sustainable fish farming through the use of floating sea cages that optimize feed strategies. The project seeks to improve fish health and minimize environmental impacts, contributing to responsible aquaculture practices.

The National News

https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/09/25/abu-dhabi-ai-powered-project-aims-to-boost-sustainable-fish-farming-says-expert/

This article from Global Times discusses how China is leveraging AI and big data to transform its marine aquaculture sector. By optimizing feed usage and reducing environmental impact, these advancements not only enhance local practices but also support developing countries in building sustainable aquaculture systems.

Global Times

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202409/1320435.shtml

This article from Asterisk explores how precision livestock farming (PLF) utilizes AI-driven sensor technologies to enhance the monitoring of farm animals. While PLF holds promise for improving efficiency and animal welfare, challenges such as high costs, data privacy issues, and low adoption rates among farmers hinder its broader implementation despite its potential benefits to farmers.

Constance Li

https://asteriskmag.com/issues/07/the-next-revolution-in-animal-agriculture

This article discusses the transformative impact of AI and robotics on the meat and poultry industry, highlighting advancements in processing precision. AI-driven systems are optimizing butchering processes and facilitating predictive maintenance, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

Meat + Poultry

https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/30851-the-future-of-meat-and-poultry-processing-latest-technology-trends

This report outlines how AI-powered drones are revolutionizing livestock counting in New Zealand. By utilizing aerial footage, these drones can quickly identify and count animals, significantly speeding up stocktake processes and minimizing human error, ultimately improving farm management.

1News

https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/10/01/animal-counting-drones-help-farmers-speed-up-stocktake/

This article highlights concerns raised by the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) regarding the potential use of AI to influence consumer food purchases. AIMS warns that AI could perpetuate biases in promoting certain narratives, such as advocating for plant-based alternatives over traditional meat products.

Meat Management

https://meatmanagement.com/news/aims-questions-the-use-of-ai-to-influence-food-purchases/84072.article

This press release announces that EuroTier 2024, the leading livestock technology fair, will showcase various AI-powered innovations aimed at enhancing animal welfare and farm efficiency. Technologies for animal monitoring, automated feeding systems, and emission-reducing barn designs will be highlighted, reflecting the latest trends in livestock management.

EuroTier

https://www.eurotier.com/en/press/latest-news#!/news/eurotier-2024-trends-in-livestock-technology

This article reports on a collaboration between Alstom and Flox to trial an AI wildlife detection system in Sweden, aimed at reducing train-animal collisions. The technology can identify animals and emit sound signals to deter them, potentially preventing thousands of annual collisions.

Railway Technology

https://www.railway-technology.com/news/alstom-flox-ai-wildlife-detection-sweden/

This report from Forbes highlights new AI-powered radar systems designed to detect bird flocks near wind turbines, which can automatically halt operations to prevent collisions. Successful trials in Portugal indicate a promising step towards reducing bird fatalities while addressing broader concerns about wildlife protection.

Forbes

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2024/08/27/trump-will-hate-this-tech-wind-turbines-that-dont-kill-birds/

This news article introduces WildlifeIQ, an AI-driven platform launched by Valiance Solutions for effective wildlife monitoring and conservation. The system automates species classification and conflict prediction, significantly speeding up the analysis of camera trap images to better manage human-wildlife interactions.

CRN

https://www.crn.in/news/valiance-solutions-launches-wildlifeiq-intelligent-insights-for-effective-wildlife-monitoring-and-conservation/

This blog post from the Wilson Center discusses the growing use of AI technologies to combat wildlife crime, including poaching and illegal logging. While these tools enhance monitoring and detection capabilities, they also raise concerns about the safety of under-resourced rangers, necessitating adequate training and support.

Wilson Center

https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/using-artificial-intelligence-combat-wildlife-crime

This article from Food Navigator discusses how AI-driven generative technology is enhancing the functionality of plant-based proteins. By analyzing extensive datasets, AI Bobby identifies optimal protein structures for desirable traits like gelation, crucial for texture in plant-based foods. This innovation can lead to better consistency and lower production costs by reducing the need for additional ingredients.

FoodNavigator

https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2024/08/27/ai-could-boost-plant-based-protein-functionality

This article highlights how start-ups like Cradle are leveraging generative AI to design proteins tailored for various food industry applications. This technology can enhance the stability of cultivated meat growth factors and improve the clarity of fruit juices, facilitating the creation of proteins with specific properties that are not typically found in nature, thereby accelerating product development.

FoodNavigator

https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2024/08/30/AI-designs-proteins-for-roles-across-food-industry

This article from VegNews details how AI is revolutionizing the plant-based food sector through innovations by companies like Climax Foods, Meati, and NotCo. These firms use AI to analyze and replicate animal-based food properties, resulting in improved taste and texture of plant-based alternatives while also enhancing nutritional profiles and reducing costs.

VegNews

https://vegnews.com/ai-vegan-companies

This article from 80,000 Hours calls for increased focus on the moral status of digital minds, encouraging the development of a research field dedicated to understanding and advising on the ethical implications of AI and other digital entities.

80,000 Hours

https://80000hours.org/problem-profiles/moral-status-digital-minds/

This article discusses Jonathan Birch's book "The Edge of Sentience," which proposes a framework for assessing sentience across various entities, including AI. It advocates for a precautionary approach to protect potentially sentient beings, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in the context of AI development.

Nature

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03076-z

This article details a study from Yokohama University of Pharmacy, where researchers are developing StemPanTox, a system that integrates stem cells and AI to predict chemical toxicity, aiming to reduce reliance on animal testing. This method enhances accuracy by analyzing human stem cell gene expression, potentially leading to safer drug development.

Nature

https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-024-00249-2

This article explains how an AI model has been developed to improve the relevance of animal research for human diseases. By translating molecular patterns from animal studies into human contexts, this approach enhances the accuracy of disease modeling, making animal experiments more applicable to clinical research.

Nachrichten Informationsdienst Wissenschaft

https://nachrichten.idw-online.de/2024/09/25/how-ai-is-helping-to-bridge-the-research-gap-between-animals-and-humans

This article discusses the increasing use of AI in animal research, particularly in toxicology, to enhance data analysis and experimental design. While AI shows promise in refining methods and reducing animal use, it cannot fully replace animal models due to the complexities of living organisms

Understanding ANimal Reserch

https://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/news/could-ai-replace-animal-research

This article from Plant Based News explores the dual role of AI in animal agriculture, where it can both enhance factory farming practices and support animal advocacy. The article argues for a proactive approach to steer AI development towards compassionate uses that benefit animal welfare.

Claire Hamlett for Plant Based News

https://plantbasednews.org/news/tech/ai-animal-agriculture-advocacy/

This article emphasizes the need for legal frameworks to protect animals from the potential harms of AI. It discusses the implications of AI in various sectors, such as veterinary care and wildlife trade, advocating for the integration of ethical considerations in Australia's renewed Animal Welfare Strategy.

The Conversation

https://theconversation.com/animals-in-the-machine-why-the-law-needs-to-protect-animals-from-ai-234176

Update on efforts to convert food procurement data to assess impacts on animals, GHG emissions, and water use, utilizing OpenAI.

Stephen Ronan

https://www.policyforanimals.org/

Iteration of a guide providing suggested answers that encourage the adoption of AI-driven on-farm monitoring in response to DEFRA's public consultation on a proposed mandatory welfare labeling scheme. The guide also applies to imported animal products.

Department For Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK

https://consult.defra.gov.uk/transforming-farm-animal-health-and-welfare-team/consultation-on-fairer-food-labelling/

Examination of a slaughterhouse implementing CCTV and Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) systems to mitigate animal stress during slaughter.

Deloitte

https://www.deloitte.com/be/en/services/consulting/case-studies/ai4animals-improving-animal-welfare-with-ai-technology.html

Discusses potential ethical concerns of AI in farming and suggests guidelines for reducing harm to animals.

Virginie Simoneau-Gilbert

https://aeon.co/essays/how-to-reduce-the-ethical-dangers-of-ai-assisted-farming

Data set for zoonotic disease outbreaks. Potentially useful for AI Developers and AW experts

OIE Animal Disease Database

https://wahis.woah.org/#/event-management

Chat, upload documents, organize files, and combine multiple documents together to generate responses. Particularly good for developing podcasts.

Google

https://notebooklm.google.com/

Covers the basics as well as specific examples of using AI for your role.

CLEARER THINKING

https://www.clearerthinking.org/ai-productivity-guide?utm_source=ClearerThinking.org&mc_cid=3ef328cabd&utm_campaign=3ef328cabd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_AI_GUIDE&mc_eid=9ea15fd264&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f2e9d15594-b71c1a1f3d-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

You can compare the large language models on arena mode ; Youtube Guide

NotDiamond

https://www.notdiamond.ai/

AI integrated workflow optimization

Zapier

https://zapier.com/

A custom GPT that explores the intersection between neurobiology and philosophy For assistance on how to leverage it please read this.

welfarefootprint.org

https://chatgpt.com/g/g-ietKV5zHG-neurophilosopher

GPT prompting

Github

https://github.com/LouisShark/chatgpt_system_prompt/blob/main/prompts/gpts/QhTV4OrrZ_AI_Tutor.md

General prompting guide

Github

https://github.com/VILA-Lab/ATLAS/blob/main/data/README.md

A prompting guide specifically for animal advocates

AI for Animals

https://www.notion.so/impactfulaa/AI-Prompts-for-Animal-Advocates-be3378f6340f459d8d6d2e1683479fd2

AI image generator from text (makes making variations of an image very easy)

Midjourney

https://www.midjourney.com/

Audio/Video - to text generator (Transcript Generator)

Revoldiv

https://revoldiv.com/

Public Policy Platform: legislative tracking, analysis, and communication (US)

Aidy

https://www.aidygov.com/

How to start leaveraging AI

Ethan Mollick

https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/doing-stuff-with-ai-opinionated-midyear

VEG3 is a dedicated vegan AI chatbot based on 50,000+ reliable sources of information about veganism and animal rights! You can use it to learn more about animal rights and veganism, or utilise it to help boost your advocacy efforts.

https://veg3.ai/

Powered by Claude, Senti is designed to answer questions related to animal ethics, wild animal suffering, and longtermism to help make it easier to obtain and share information.

Animal Ethics

https://forum.fastcommunity.org/posts/W3JvDZineAf3u9XBz/introducing-senti-animal-ethics-ai-assistant

Helps you find AIs for specific tasks

agent.ai (Agents)

https://theresanaiforthat.com/

Inphographic generator: infographics, reports, and presentations

https://piktochart.com/

100+ AI Marketing Tools that can help with marketing and public awareness initiatives.

Charlie Hills

https://charliehills.substack.com/p/ive-collected-100-ai-marketing-tools

AI Tool List

Thomas Manandhar-Richardson / Evolving Impact Blog

https://evolvingimpact.wordpress.com/2024/08/24/my-current-ai-tech-stack/

AI chat search engine

Perplexity

https://www.perplexity.ai/

Google’s LLM. It is not intuitive to use and requires very specific prompts, but it has a very high context window.

Google

https://gemini.google.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2024enIN_gemfeb&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9p24BhB_EiwA8ID5BrfTMWBv6bNMxzEMfzLmZrA_pLtjAgWUmMt_fnpt24JNXRKfm8BEGhoCac0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The most well know AI chat bot

Open AI

https://chatgpt.com/

The importance and urgency of developing animal friendly AI

Peter Singer

https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/p/animal-friendly-ai-now

Nonprofit located in Dominica that are taking recordings of sperm whales to try and decode their complex language

CETI

https://www.projectceti.org/

EU funded project for correlating pig vocalizations on farms with their emotional states

Soundwell

https://www.soundwel-project.eu/

Global company based in US with a department for Animal Health Intelligence that has multiple products that incorporate AI for monitoring systems in livestock farming, aquaculture, and pets.

Merck

https://www.merck-animal-health.com/animal-health-intelligence/

Dutch company with global reach and many corporate partnerships that developed a collar mounted device for dairy cows for monitoring animal health and methane emissions.

Connecterra

https://www.connecterra.io/

Global company based in The Netherlands with tech for autonomous broiler chicken housing and egg handling that has some AI integration

Vencomatic Group 

https://www.vencomaticgroup.com/

US company using AI video monitoring system for managing dairy herds

Cainthus

https://www.ever.ag/dairy/software-solutions/cainthus/

Swedish startup developing AI video monitoring system for managing dairy cow herds

Animals.ai

http://animals.ai/

Dutch startup using AI monitoring system for slaughterhouses

AI4Animals

https://www2.deloitte.com/nl/nl/pages/consumer/solutions/ai4animals.html

Israeli startup using AI to monitor growth of pigs

Farmsee

https://farmsee.com/

Canadian startup using AI to monitor for cow ranching herds

OneCup AI

https://www.onecup.ai/

London tech startup using AI to support the poultry industry

Beakbook

https://www.beakbook.com/

Create text summaries of youtube videos

Summarise Tech

https://www.summarize.tech/

AI text to speech that can learn to speak in your voice

Eleven Labs

https://elevenlabs.io/

AI for Animals Blog covers important trends in AI that could impact animal welfare directly and indirectly

AI for Animals

https://www.aiforanimals.org/blog-1

Promoting the development of AI to create a better future for all animals.

AI For Animals

https://www.aiforanimals.org

Builds free custom AI tools to help increase Animal Welfare

Open Paws

https://www.openpaws.ai

The organisation aims to facilitate Interspecies Communication by leveraging AI technology.

Earth Species

https://www.earthspecies.org/

This news article discusses that at the Royston Veterinary Centre, AI tools like Vetscan Imagyst are enhancing veterinary care by providing rapid analysis of samples, leading to faster diagnoses and treatment options for pets. While AI's integration into veterinary practices improves efficiency, it emphasizes the importance of human oversight in ensuring optimal animal health care.

BBC News

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx02zd135gpo

The Cat Royale project explores the potential of AI-powered robotic systems in interacting with and learning from cats. By analyzing feline responses to various activities, the AI adapts its interactions to promote engagement. However, human involvement remains essential for monitoring the cats' welfare and addressing any issues, illustrating the collaborative role of AI in companion animal care.

Kinship

https://www.kinship.com/cat-lifestyle/can-ai-raise-a-cat

This article from Forbes outlines how AI tools like LAIKA are being employed to alleviate veterinarian burnout by automating routine tasks, thereby allowing veterinarians to focus on more complex aspects of care. The implementation of these tools raises important ethical considerations regarding the role of AI in veterinary practice.

Forbes

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/09/19/tackling-veterinarian-burnout-with-ai-for-good/#:~:text=This initiative encompasses a broad,increase the human-animal bond.