16 Nebraska Cattleman October 2023 WE HAVE YOUR BACKS, BARNS AND BOTTOM LINES. LIPHATECH.COM 800.351.1476 THERE FOR YOU Wherever and whenever you need us, we provide the rodenticide products and services you desire — and then some. We roll up our sleeves, we seek first to understand the issue, and we put in the hours — as many as it takes — to provide farmers and producers with peace of mind. AI IN CATTLE MANAGEMENT • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 approach is that when diseases like BRD sneak up on the cattle without obvious direct observational behavior indicators, an animal’s feeding and drinking behavior can tell a lot. This is something we call an indirect measure. We can use that as an indicator to see if individual cattle have been drinking and eating normally as they did before. These are things that AI can definitely learn.” Wait, I’ve Seen This Movie. Is AI Going to Take Over? As with all new technology, there is some hesitation and questions regarding what AI is capable of. Unlike the fantasy and science fiction movies we have seen, Xiong says we do not have to worry about artificial intelligence taking over. “Even though we're facing a lot of fears about what if AI replaces or takes up humans' job opportunities, I really don't think that's the case,” Xiong says. “Can AI play a human role in my mind? No, not even just now. I do not think that is ever going to be the case because we need humans to make justifiable and accurate decisions on cattle production and management.” Some producers have already taken the leap and incorporated this technology into their cattle management practices. Xiong says that a major deterrent for many producers at this time is cost. The capital cost of investment vs. the reward is something that weighs heavily on many producers’ minds. However, history has shown us that as technology becomes more common, it typically becomes more affordable. “I think the big takeaway is, technology is really advancing fast, and what I say today will be probably completely outdated in a few months or next year,” Xiong says. “It is important that our cattle producers keep an open mind and know that there's more AI technology coming out every day and there is great potential with it.” If you are interested in learning more about precision livestock management, or if you have incorporated some of these technologies into your management practices and would be interested in talking to Yijie Xiong, Ph.D., you can reach her at yijie.xiong@unl.edu. NC "It is important that our cattle producers keep an open mind and know that there's more AI technology coming out every day and there is great potential with it." – Yijie Xiong
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