Cambridge University scientists develop AI that help determine if animal is in pain Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis

Scientists have developed a new artificial intelligence system that can determine if an animal is in pain by analysing its expressions. The system, developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK, uses five different facial expressions to estimate the severity of pain in sheep. The results could be applied to other types of animals, such as rodents used in animal research, rabbits or horses, researchers said. The system is able to detect the distinct parts of a sheep's face and compare it with a standardised measurement tool developed by veterinarians for diagnosing pain. Severe pain in sheep is associated with conditions such as foot rot, an extremely painful and contagious condition which causes the foot to rot away; or mastitis, an inflammation of the udder in ewes caused by injury or bacterial infection.