SMART FLOCK SAUDI: AI-led Innovation for Livestock Farming and Agrifood System Transformation
Riyadh | In Saudi Arabia, the livestock sector contributes approximately 43 percent of the agricultural production, with small ruminants are being the most populous at around 23.5 million. Most small ruminant herders manage farms with an average of 200–500 animals, following traditional practices and challenged by low production efficiency, labour shortages and mechanisms for improving farm monitoring. Digital tools offer new approaches for real-time flock monitoring and improve decision making for better farm productivity.
The SMART FLOCK SAUDI mobile application is a unique initiative in Saudi Arabia, supporting small ruminant farming by integrating the latest IoT technology to enhance farm management, productivity, traceability and animal welfare. This digital tool was developed under the ongoing Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme (SRAD) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment Water and Agriculture (MEWA).
The SMART FLOCK SAUDI introduces a user-friendly digital solution that leverages IoT, artificial intelligence, and cloud technology, specifically designed for the Saudi farming landscape. “By enabling real-time animal activity tracking, health monitoring, and data analytics, the app transforms farm management into a streamlined, efficient process,” – elaborated Dr Marimuthu Swamy, Technical Adviser for the Livestock Component of the ongoing project.
Key Features
Advanced Animal Identification
Smart Flock Saudi offers three identification options tailored to diverse farm requirements:
• Biometric-Based Identification: Uses fingerprint technology to identify animals via muzzle prints and images.
• Live RFID Ear Tags: Transmit real-time data, including body temperature and location tracking.
• Barcode-Based Plastic Tags: Passive RFID tags for cost-effective identification without live data transmission.
Comprehensive Farm Management Tools
The app simplifies record-keeping and management by allowing users to:
• Track key events, and including breeding, health records, weight monitoring and farm economics.
• Receive intelligent notifications for critical events like live body temperature, mating, pregnancy diagnosis, and vaccinations, ensuring timely interventions.
Feed Management Module: Farmers can
• Create customized feed recipes using locally available ingredients.
• Monitor feed costs and evaluate feeding efficiency based on weight gain.
• Group animals by production stages (e.g., lactating, pregnant, or growing) for tailored nutrition.
Interactive Dashboard for Real-Time Insights: Accessible via a web browser, the dashboard provides:
• Live animal counts of the flock at any given point of time
• Analytics on feed costs, weight gain, and monthly farm expenditures.
• Graphical representations of flock data, including live body temperature readings.
• Automated Certificates: Generate animal registration and health certificates, complete with QR codes for traceability.
Local Partnership with Impact
SMART FLOCK SAUDI’s success lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. There are several broad benefits with real-time monitoring and data-driven insights as it establishes a foundation for smart farming practices for the first time for small ruminants.
• Enhanced Productivity: The app automates essential tasks and provides timely alerts for breeding, vaccination, and deworming, significantly improving productivity.
• Health Monitoring and Traceability: Real-time health alerts, such as body temperature tracking, enable early disease detection, reducing animal loss and improving welfare.
• Customized Nutrition: The feed module allows farmers to create balanced diets based on age and production needs, improving animal growth and reducing feed costs.
• Record-Keeping Made Easy: The app organizes and stores all farm data securely, replacing manual records with digital logs that are accessible from any location.
The success of Smart Flock Saudi developed in collaboration with Business Vision Consulting Establishment KSA and ADIS Technologies India, highlights the power of collaboration and local expertise. It is a transformative tool that bridges the gap between tradition and technology in livestock farming. By harnessing AI and data analytics, it equips farmers in Saudi Arabia with the tools they need to enhance productivity, improve animal welfare, and build resilient food systems. Dr. Kakoli Ghosh, Chief Technical Adviser, SRAD emphasized the need to scale -up the application as it holds the promise to revolutionize the small ruminants sector and promote transformation of agrifood systems in dryland regions.
