Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Pain Assessment Technology

Technology-assisted pain assessment tools are improving the speed and accuracy of welfare monitoring in commercial pig systems.

Key Facts

Computer vision systems can analyse facial expressions using grimace scale criteria
Automated gait analysis detects lameness in pigs earlier than visual observation
Acoustic analysis of pig vocalisations identifies pain-associated calls automatically
Thermal imaging detects inflammation associated with injury and disease
Integration of multiple sensors enables comprehensive automated welfare assessment

Welfare Considerations

Technology-assisted pain assessment extends the reach of welfare monitoring beyond what is achievable through human observation alone. Automated systems that detect pain indicators continuously and objectively enable earlier intervention and more consistent welfare management. Investment in welfare monitoring technology is increasingly a welfare-positive farm investment.

What You Can Do

Support research and development of pig welfare monitoring technology
Advocate for technology adoption incentives in pig welfare improvement programmes
Choose pork from farms investing in automated welfare monitoring