Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare Measurement Innovation

Innovation in pig welfare measurement is expanding the range of welfare dimensions that can be assessed reliably on commercial farms.

Key Facts

Thermal imaging cameras can detect fever indicating pain or disease from a distance without handling
Vocalisation analysis algorithms distinguish pain-related calls from normal social vocalisations
Gait analysis from floor sensors detects lameness before it is visible to human observers
Facial recognition systems can track individual pig welfare over time in group housing
Biosensor integration provides continuous physiological welfare data from individual animals

Welfare Considerations

Welfare measurement innovation is closing the gap between what can be monitored and what influences welfare. Technologies that detect welfare events earlier, more accurately and at scale transform the ability to respond to welfare problems before they become severe.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare measurement innovation through engagement with developing technology companies
Advocate for validation of welfare measurement technologies before commercial deployment
Engage with research organisations advancing pig welfare measurement capabilities