Data Driven Broiler Weight Forecasting using Dynamic Neural Network Models

Abstract

In this article, the dynamic influence of environmental broiler house conditions and broiler growth is investigated. Dynamic neural network forecasting models have been trained on farm-scale broiler batch production data from 12 batches from the same house. The model forecasts future broiler weight and uses environmental conditions such as heating, ventilation, and temperature along with broiler behavior such as feed and water consumption. Training data and forecasting data is analyzed to explain when the model might fail at generalizing. We present ensemble broiler weight forecasts to day 7, 14, 21, 28 and 34 from all preceding days and provide our interpretation of the results. Results indicate that the dynamic interconnection between environmental conditions and broiler growth can be captured by the model. Furthermore, we found that a comparable forecast can be obtained by using input data from the previous batch as a substitute for future input data.