PECOViSiA

PROJECTS

Smart Technologies for the Management
of the Mirandese Breed

Currently, the breed is used primarily for the production of high-quality meat, meeting criteria and requirements that ensure the preservation and genetic improvement of this indigenous breed, such as live weight at 90, 120 and 210 days of age. However, weighing growing animals, particularly in the context of extensive production, can be a difficult task, causing significant stress to the animals, which can impact their welfare and the quality of their meat.

The native cattle of the Mirandesa breed originated in the Mirandese Plateau and have played a significant role in the country’s livestock sector over the centuries. Between the 19th century and the third quarter of the 20th century, the Mirandesa breed was the main source of agricultural draught power across much of Portugal.

Another problem relates to the identification of animals using traditional methods, which causes pain and does not guarantee the reliability of the process, as it is prone to losses and potential fraud. This project aims to streamline the processes of identifying and weighing live animals through the use of new technologies. The project will result in the development of an application that will provide producers with the information necessary for the daily management of animals and promote the genetic improvement of growth parameters, as well as ensuring consumers receive meat of excellent quality, whilst respecting animal welfare.

Project objective:

Development of a technological solution based on computer vision and artificial intelligence, integrated into a web platform and a mobile app, enabling the non-intrusive identification and estimation of animals’ live weight.

Components of the solution:

1 | Creation of animal datasets – 2D, 3D, upper body and muzzle
2 | Development of an intelligent system for detecting the live weight of animals in extensive farming systems
3 | Development of an intelligent biometric system for animal identification
4 | Intelligent animal management system – Web portal
5 | Intelligent animal management system – Mobile app

More information

• Acronym: PECOViSiA
• Start date: 02/01/2026
• End date: 31/12/2028
• Total budget: €1,072,765.60
• Status: in progress
• Closing date: –
• Funding: €873,881.20
• Incentive Programme: Jointly Promoted R&D Project – NORTE 2030
• Project lead: Telmo Nogueira