Feathers and Feelings – Unveiling Poultry Emotions through Deep Learning in Vocalization Analysis

Venkatraman Manikandan, MSc Thesis Project

Feathers and Feelings – Unveiling Poultry Emotions through Deep Learning in Vocalization Analysis

Our study delves deeply into the realm of poultry vocalization, a field often underestimated for its complexity and communicative richness. Beyond mere sounds, these vocalizations encompass a spectrum of calls expressing emotions, warnings, and social dynamics within flocks. Employing advanced deep learning techniques, we decode the intricate sounds of poultry, ranging from clucks to cackles, to understand their emotional and social contexts. Our methodology transforms auditory data into spectrograms, segments these into analytical windows, and applies deep learning combined with semantic and natural language processing techniques. This includes sentimental analysis, a critical tool for interpreting the underlying emotions expressed in these vocalizations, thus offering a profound understanding of poultry psychological states.

This research provides valuable insights into poultry welfare, revealing stress levels and social dynamics within flocks. Recognizing these vocal cues opens pathways to enhance farming practices, aimed at reducing stress and anxiety among poultry. Our non-invasive approach promotes humane and sustainable farming practices, prioritizing animal welfare without compromising environmental health. The implications of this research are far-reaching, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of poultry behavior. It paves the way for improved living conditions in agricultural settings, aligning animal husbandry with ethical and sustainable principles.

Our findings also suggest potential applications in automated monitoring systems, where continuous vocalization analysis could provide real-time indicators of flock health and well-being. This technological integration could revolutionize poultry farming, making it more responsive and adaptive to the needs of the animals. Such advancements underscore the importance of interdisciplinary research in enhancing animal welfare and agricultural sustainability.