AnimalCounter – The Precise Eye on Your Side!

Have you ever wondered if counting your constantly moving herd could be as easy as freezing a video frame? Is it possible to use machine vision technology to achieve such precision? Let us introduce our AI expert: AnimalCounter—the machine eye at your site – on your side!

The Challenges of Traditional Manual Animal Counting

Traditional manual animal counting presents several challenges that can impact both efficiency and accuracy in farming operations. One of the most significant issues is human error, which often leads to miscounts. These errors can result in undercounting or overcounting, with direct financial and operational implications, particularly in stock management, sales, or contract compliance. Studies have shown that manual counting can lead to an average miscount of up to 1% in pig farms, often without companies realizing the severity of these errors.

Beyond accuracy, manual counting is extremely time-consuming, requiring substantial labor, especially on larger farms with hundreds or thousands of animals. The process is also prone to inconsistencies due to fatigue or distractions, further diminishing its reliability. Errors can occur at multiple stages—data entry errors in animal shelters, for instance, have been recorded at an average rate of 3.5%, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining precise records. As a result, the need for more accurate and efficient counting methods has become increasingly urgent, driving the demand for automated solutions in livestock management.

AnimalCounter: Real-Time, Automated Data Collection

AnimalCounter accurately tracks livestock, even as they move, thanks to advanced technologies like machine vision, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). The system uses strategically placed cameras to capture real-time footage as animals pass through designated corridors. Machine vision software processes these images, detecting the animals’ shape and movement patterns. AI algorithms then analyze the data to count the animals with remarkable precision, even in dynamic environments where movement is unpredictable. IoT connectivity ensures seamless real-time data transfer, keeping the system updated and capable of making accurate decisions without human intervention.

By minimizing human error, AnimalCounter offers an efficient and reliable method for counting animals, even under challenging conditions. The system is versatile and can be calibrated to count not only pigs and cattle but also sheep, goats, poultry, and other livestock.

How Does Machine Vision Ensure Accurate Counting?

One of the key challenges in animal counting is ensuring that each animal is counted only once, even when movement is erratic, or animals move back and forth. The answer lies in the algorithm. The technology relies on a combination of advanced detection and tracking models, including YOLO, Faster R-CNN, MOT, and SORT.

YOLO (You Only Look Once) is an AI-powered deep learning model that identifies and segments individual animals within the frame. Unlike traditional detection methods, YOLO processes an image in a single pass, rapidly detecting objects and distinguishing them based on body shape, size, and movement patterns. In cases where animals overlap, instance segmentation models like Mask R-CNN are applied to differentiate and count them separately.

Once detected, each animal is assigned a unique ID using multi-object tracking (MOT) algorithms like SORT (Simple Online and Realtime Tracker), which provides fast tracking with minimal computational resources. For even greater accuracy, DeepSORT integrates deep learning techniques to track animals even when they temporarily occlude one another. Kalman Filters and Optical Flow further enhance tracking by predicting animal positions in consecutive frames, reducing errors caused by movement. If animals pile up or change direction abruptly, AI models apply re-identification techniques to maintain correct tracking. Over time, AI feedback loops refine detection models, improving accuracy across different environmental conditions.

How Does AnimalCounter Work?

The AnimalCounter system maintains a virtual counting zone, such as a digital gate. When an animal crosses this threshold, it is counted. Direction detection algorithms ensure that animals are neither counted twice nor missed. The real-time data is stored in a cloud or local database, providing valuable analytics for farm management.

To implement AnimalCounter, farmers need to install cameras in their corridors. The recommended setup includes IP cameras supporting Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) with internet connectivity, such as the HAC-HFW1230S by Dahua Technology. An IP67 casing is also advisable to protect against environmental factors. For optimal results, cameras should be mounted in landscape position at a low height in narrow corridors, while a portrait position is preferable for wider spaces where low mounting is not feasible. Installing the camera directly above the center of the corridor ensures complete capture of the animals’ movement.

Best Practices for Accurate Counting

While operating the system, it is essential to ensure that no individuals obstruct the corridor and that overcrowding is avoided, as excessive congestion can lead to counting errors. If using online data transmission, potential internet latency should be taken into account to minimize data loss. By following these guidelines, farmers can achieve precise, reliable counting.

The Benefits of Automated Counting

With AnimalCounter, human labor on-site can be drastically reduced. Labor costs decrease significantly, allowing workers to focus on more complex tasks instead of manual counting. The process becomes far less time-consuming, as machine vision and AI operate at speeds much faster than traditional methods. Employees only need to monitor the system remotely. Additionally, data processing becomes more efficient, with errors in data entry eliminated entirely, as the system records information automatically in real time. The margin for human error is removed, giving farmers precise numbers at their fingertips.

The effectiveness of this technology has already been proven. In Australia, LiveCorp tested and adopted AnimalCounter in 2024. Due to extreme conditions, manual counting required multiple workers, making it costly and inefficient. By automating the process, LiveCorp streamlined administration and significantly improved efficiency. The system now counts zebus with ease, making the process more seamless, cost-effective, and beneficial for both the company and the animals. Automated counting supports competitive and sustainable farming while also playing a crucial role in animal welfare.

Ready to Try It?

With AnimaCounter, the future of livestock management is here. Say goodbye to manual miscounts, inefficiencies, and wasted labor—precision and automation are now at your fingertips. Are you ready to transform the way you count your animals?

For further information on AnimalCounter, explore our website!