Marks and Spencer deploys AI monitoring across dairy farm network

The technology, which uses cameras to capture footage of cows in indoor environments, relies on algorithms developed in collaboration with veterinarians. By analyzing behaviors such as lying time, feeding duration, social interactions, and mobility, the system generates a "cow comfort score." These metrics allow farmers to adjust bedding sizes or feeding schedules to meet the specific requirements of individual animals, rather than managing the herd as a uniform group.

Terry Canning, CEO of Cattle Eye, noted that the system provides visibility into metabolic health and fertility that was previously restricted to research environments. Trials conducted on select farms demonstrated that the AI performs to the same standard as trained human welfare assessors. Peter Kennedy, Head of Agriculture at M&S Food, stated that the initiative is part of the company's broader Plan A for Farming, aimed at building resilience and elevating welfare standards across British agriculture.