… Set for Exhibition at the National Research Fair

By Durodola Makinde & Emeka Oluka

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has achieved another milestone with the recent patent approval of its innovative Automated Non-Invasive Digital Animal Monitoring Device (ANiMeDRig). The Patent Certificate, dated September 5, 2024, was issued by the Patents and Designs Registry, Commercial Law Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Abuja and signed by the Registrar, Ms. Jane Igwe.

The ANiMeDRig was the result of collaborative research led by Prof. Ayotunde Adebambo of the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics (ABG) in the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), and Dr. Ayorinde Olanipekun of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering (COLENG).

The device, designed to transform the monitoring of poultry health and productivity, would be on display at the maiden TETFund National Research Fair/Exhibition scheduled for November 18-21, 2024, at Eagle Square, Abuja. The purpose of the display was to facilitate an offtake of the technology and its usage by willing entrepreneurs and many relevant stakeholders.

Notably, ANiMeDRig was among the top 16 projects selected from over 3,000 submissions to TETFAIR last year, underscoring the innovation’s significance and potential impact on the agricultural sector.

According to the Lead Researcher, Prof. Adebambo, ANiMeDRig is a cutting-edge, non-invasive system developed to monitor poultry health and growth efficiently. The device captures images of chickens from two different angles, generating 3D measurements to accurately record the birds’ weight, thereby enhancing data accuracy, improving revenue, and boosting overall poultry yield.

With its upcoming exhibition at the maiden TETFund National Research Fair, the ANiMeDRig is set to make waves in the agricultural industry, demonstrating FUNAAB’s commitment to research excellence and technological advancement.