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On July 25, 2024, Mooanalytica Research Group headed by Professor Suresh Neethirajan of the Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture had an extraordinary day engaging with the public during Community Day. The team of eight students created immersive mixed reality experiences that captured the imaginations of children, high school students, and the general public alike.

Imagine milking a cow, petting a sheep, or collecting eggs without needing real animals. Sounds intriguing, right? This is not a glimpse into a distant future but the reality the team explored through innovative use of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies in agricultural education.

Can mixed reality be the key to revolutionizing veterinary and animal science education? The mooanalytica team demonstrated how students can learn delicate procedures like sample collection, suturing, and even surgical techniques through virtual reality, drastically reducing the stress on live animals and enhancing animal welfare.

The event also showcased how urban kids, who have never set foot on a farm, can be introduced to the concepts of animal farming in a gentle and safe manner. This not only educates them about sustainable farming practices but also sensitizes them to animal welfare from a young age.

Is it possible to meet a calf’s emotional needs through a digital avatar of its mother in the metaverse? The mooanlaytica research team delved into these and other fascinating questions, exploring how digital innovations could foster a new era of empathy and understanding in livestock management.

Students showcased research work at the intersection of technology and animal science, co-creating solutions for a more humane and efficient educational approach. How do you see mixed reality shaping the future of agricultural education, farm animal research and animal welfare?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-NTFgp7lzY