Mount Gambier, Australia - In a remarkable study, scientists can now decipher the emotional states of Chickens through listening to their vocalisations. Utilising cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning models, this research, led by Prof. Adrian David Cheok of the University of Tokyo, Japan unveils the hidden language of our feathered friends.

With the ability to distinctly tell between six different emotional states including fear, excitement and hunger, the applications of this research are surprising and don't end at poultry.

Animal Welfare: This research offers profound insights into chicken welfare, shedding light on their emotions, including hunger, fear, contentment, and distress. It opens doors to improved care and management practices, enhancing the lives of these remarkable birds.

Veterinary Medicine: The findings hold immense promise for veterinary medicine. By interpreting chicken vocalizations, veterinarians can gain valuable insights into their emotional well-being, revolutionising the diagnosis and treatment of these cherished animals.

Poultry Farming: Poultry farmers stand to benefit significantly from this research. Understanding chicken emotions allows for optimized rearing conditions, promoting positive states and reducing stress, ultimately improving the well-being and productivity of these birds.

Animal Behaviour Research: Researchers in animal behavior science will find a goldmine in this study. It unravels the complexities of avian communication, offering a glimpse into the emotional lives of chickens and their social interactions.

Human-Animal Interaction: Humans can look forward to more meaningful interactions with chickens. By understanding their emotions, we can engage with these feathered friends more empathetically, fostering richer relationships.

AI and ML Advancements: This research pioneers AI-driven interspecies communication. It not only deepens our understanding of chicken vocalizations but also lays the foundation for using advanced AI and machine learning techniques to interact with a variety of species.

"It's a cluckin' great leap for science!" said Prof Cheok. "and this is just the beginning. We hope to be able to adapt these AI and ML techniques to other animals and lay the ground work for incredible intelligence in the various animal related industries. If we know what animals are feeling we can design a much better world for them."

Cheok continued, "Our methodology employs a cutting-edge AI technique we call Deep Emotional Analysis Learning (DEAL), a highly mathematical and innovative approach that allows for the nuanced understanding of emotional states through auditory data."

This groundbreaking study opens up new horizons in the world of interspecies communication, promising advancements in animal welfare, veterinary care, poultry farming, animal behaviour research, and human-chicken interactions.

The full academic version of the paper is available at: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3034567/v1