Person

Yanqiu Yang

Assistant Professor | Animal Science

Specialization: Precision Beef Systems & Sustainability

Overview

My research focuses on precision beef systems and the development of sustainable, data-driven technologies for animal agriculture. I integrate artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, robotics, and advanced sensing technologies to improve animal health monitoring, automate labor-intensive tasks, and support data-driven decision-making in livestock production systems.

My work aims to develop intelligent tools that enable continuous monitoring of animal health and behavior, enhance production efficiency, and support sustainable management practices in beef cattle operations. By combining engineering innovation with animal science, my research contributes to the advancement of precision livestock farming and next-generation digital agriculture systems.

Research Focus

Precision Livestock Farming and Precision Beef Systems; Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision in Agriculture; Robotics and Automation for Agricultural Systems; Sensor-Based Monitoring for Animal Health, Welfare, and Sustainability

Teaching Focus

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF); developing a new course, Next-Gen Farm: AI in Ag, designed to equip students with skills in data-driven animal agriculture, artificial intelligence, sensing technologies, and emerging digital farming systems.

Research Questions
  • How can artificial intelligence and computer vision enable continuous, noninvasive monitoring of cattle health, behavior, and welfare?
  • How can advanced sensing technologies (e.g., hyperspectral imaging and environmental sensors) improve early detection of disease and physiological stress in livestock?
  • How can robotics and automation reduce labor demands and improve efficiency in livestock production systems?
  • How can emerging digital agriculture technologies improve the sustainability and resilience of livestock production systems?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
ANSC 490 - Special Topics in Animal Sciences
1 - 3 credit hours

Topics and formats vary to address current issues and opportunities for student development.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
Registration Permission: Requires consent of department.

Other Instructors: Downey, Blair | Ivey, Jennie

Picture of					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                               					                                                                Yanqiu Yang
235 Brehm Animal Science Bldg
2506 River Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Professional Certifications
  • Small Unmanned Aircraft Remote Pilot Certificate, Federal Aviation Administration, Issued 1/28/2023
Education and Training
  • PhD, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 2025
  • MSE, Mechanical Engineering, China Agricultural University, 2019
  • MS, Applied Mechatronic Engineering, Haper Adams University, 2018
  • BE, Mechanical and Electronics Engineering, China Agricultural University, 2016
Lab Members
Supun Chathuranga Nabadawa Hewage
Eric Opoku
Safal Kshetri
Kendall Hamilton
Web Presence

Yanqiu Yang

Assistant Professor | Animal Science
Picture of						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                						                                                                 Yanqiu Yang image
235 Brehm Animal Science Bldg
2506 River Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Professional Certifications
  • Small Unmanned Aircraft Remote Pilot Certificate, Federal Aviation Administration, Issued 1/28/2023
Education and Training
  • PhD, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 2025
  • MSE, Mechanical Engineering, China Agricultural University, 2019
  • MS, Applied Mechatronic Engineering, Haper Adams University, 2018
  • BE, Mechanical and Electronics Engineering, China Agricultural University, 2016
Overview

My research focuses on precision beef systems and the development of sustainable, data-driven technologies for animal agriculture. I integrate artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, robotics, and advanced sensing technologies to improve animal health monitoring, automate labor-intensive tasks, and support data-driven decision-making in livestock production systems.

My work aims to develop intelligent tools that enable continuous monitoring of animal health and behavior, enhance production efficiency, and support sustainable management practices in beef cattle operations. By combining engineering innovation with animal science, my research contributes to the advancement of precision livestock farming and next-generation digital agriculture systems.

Research Focus

Precision Livestock Farming and Precision Beef Systems; Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision in Agriculture; Robotics and Automation for Agricultural Systems; Sensor-Based Monitoring for Animal Health, Welfare, and Sustainability

Teaching Focus

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF); developing a new course, Next-Gen Farm: AI in Ag, designed to equip students with skills in data-driven animal agriculture, artificial intelligence, sensing technologies, and emerging digital farming systems.

Research Questions
  • How can artificial intelligence and computer vision enable continuous, noninvasive monitoring of cattle health, behavior, and welfare?
  • How can advanced sensing technologies (e.g., hyperspectral imaging and environmental sensors) improve early detection of disease and physiological stress in livestock?
  • How can robotics and automation reduce labor demands and improve efficiency in livestock production systems?
  • How can emerging digital agriculture technologies improve the sustainability and resilience of livestock production systems?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
ANSC 490 - Special Topics in Animal Sciences
1 - 3 credit hours

Topics and formats vary to address current issues and opportunities for student development.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
Registration Permission: Requires consent of department.

Other Instructors: Downey, Blair | Ivey, Jennie

Lab Members
Supun Chathuranga Nabadawa Hewage
Eric Opoku
Safal Kshetri
Kendall Hamilton
Web Presence