New tool for estimating sheep liveweight and fleece weight

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is developing a new off-animal, in-paddock prototype that can accurately estimate sheep liveweight and fleece weight in real-time in a project ‘FlockMate’ – co-invested by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI). 

Valuable insight 
Liveweight is an extremely informative production trait for sheep producers. The rate of weight gain, any changes in gain rate or liveweight, and point-in-time measurements offer valuable insight into feed base quality and availability, animal health and welfare, and key production stages such as lambing or sale readiness. 

Fleece weight is influenced by body weight as well as factors such as follicle density and surface area, fibre diameter and fibre length. In turn, fleece weight and staple length are major contributors to wool value.  

Despite its importance, consistent liveweight measurement across an entire flock remains a challenge. Walk-over weighing systems can often be labour-intensive, rely on voluntary animal use or provide measurements that include the weight of fleece. 

Measurements made easier  
CSIRO – Australia’s national science agency – is combining expertise in 3D modelling and reconstruction with livestock science to develop a multimodal sensor system that produces a high-resolution 3D image of each animal as it moves in view of the sensors. 

Using AI, the system calculates accurate estimates of volume, liveweight, and fleece weight from the images it captures. Each measurement can then be linked to an animal’s electronic identification (eID) tag. 

This new technology enables regular, non-invasive monitoring throughout the growth period, supporting efficient, cost-effective and sustainable management decisions, including early disease detection.  

Helping to drive decision making 
CSIRO Principal Research Scientist Dr Sabrina Greenwood said the system addresses a key gap in on-farm tools for data-driven decision making. 

“There are some great technologies coming to market that are helping us make data-driven decisions on-farm, but producers still lack quick, remote ways to accurately measure key animal traits,” Dr Greenwood said.  

“Our system fills that gap by delivering accurate estimates of sheep liveweight and fleece weight, without slowing farm operations or requiring animal contact.” 

CSIRO Principal Technical Program Manager and FlockMate Project Leader, Lian Flick, said the tool marks an exciting shift in bringing 3D computer vision research out of the lab and into real-world agricultural settings. 

“With recent advances in AI and computing that no longer depend on large servers, we can now process complex data in real time out in the field,” Lian said. 

“With these advancements, this system offers the Australian sheep industry information it hasn’t previously had.” 

The technology also has potential applications beyond sheep, with opportunities to expand into cattle and other livestock industries in the future. 

Interested in getting involved?
The project is currently seeking producers and industry stakeholders interested in engaging with the research team at key points throughout the project. Your insights will help ensure the system is fit-for-purpose and scalable. 

To get involved, please contact: 
Lian Flick  
CSIRO Data61 
Principal Technical Program Manager 
Lian.Flick@csiro.au