Farmed Animals

Technology for Livestock Welfare Monitoring

Digital technologies offer new possibilities for detecting and responding to welfare problems at farm scale.

Key Facts

Precision livestock farming uses sensors, cameras, and algorithms to monitor individual animals
Activity monitors on cows detect lameness, oestrus, and ketosis earlier than visual inspection
Computer vision can assess pig body condition, detect lameness, and identify abnormal behaviour
Automated alerting systems allow farmers to respond to welfare events outside working hours
Technology adoption requires investment and training but can improve welfare monitoring at scale

Welfare Considerations

Technological advances in precision livestock farming offer the potential to detect welfare problems earlier, monitor larger numbers of animals more consistently, and provide objective welfare data. However, technology is a tool that enhances rather than replaces skilled stockmanship. Investment in welfare monitoring technology alongside training in its interpretation is essential.

What You Can Do

Support research and development in animal welfare monitoring technology
Advocate for welfare monitoring data from precision farming to be used in certification auditing
Choose certified products from farms that demonstrate systematic welfare monitoring
Support investment in technology infrastructure that improves welfare outcomes on farms