Digital twin in poultry production: A framework for enhancing workforce to job market readiness
Farid Saber Nassar, Ahmed O. Abbas
Abstract
The integration of advanced technologies in agricultural education is essential to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Digital twin (DT) technology stands out as a promising tool for simulating complex environments such as poultry farms, offering students immersive opportunities to engage with farm management processes without the need for physical presence in live production settings. This study explores the potential of DT-based virtual simulations to enhance student learning experiences and engagement in poultry farm management within higher education programs, while also examining their role in preparing graduates for the job market and influencing student enrollment in poultry science disciplines. A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted, including a review of relevant literature, to evaluate the impact of DT technology on various aspects of animal production, poultry science, and educational practices in higher education institutions. The findings reveal that incorporating DT into poultry-related academic programs creates interactive, safe environments where students can participate in activities such as ventilation control, feeding, disease monitoring, and performance analysis. These simulations contribute to deeper cognitive understanding, improved decision-making skills, and heightened motivation among current students, while equipping graduates with high-level competencies suited to a competitive labor market. Furthermore, the use of DT technology is expected to have a positive impact on students' perceptions, making poultry science programs more attractive and accessible. Based on these insights, the study recommends the systematic integration of DT technology into poultry science curricula and programs, given its powerful role in enhancing interactive learning, stimulating student interest, bridging the gap between theory and practice, improving graduate readiness for the job market, and increasing student enrollment through an engaging and realistic educational experience.