Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Welfare and Future Technology

Emerging technologies from precision monitoring to cultivated meat are reshaping the future of pig welfare, with opportunities and challenges ahead.

Key Facts

AI-based welfare monitoring can identify pig health issues 48 hours before human observation
Cultivated pork could eliminate pig farming welfare concerns entirely at commercial scale
Gene editing for disease resistance could eliminate suffering from common pig pathogens
Precision fermentation produces pig-free animal proteins with no welfare footprint
Digital twin systems will simulate entire pig production systems to optimise welfare and performance

Welfare Considerations

Technology offers transformative welfare opportunities for pigs. Supporting the right technologies and ensuring their welfare potential is realised requires active engagement from the welfare community.

What You Can Do

Support investment in pig welfare monitoring technology
Engage with cultivated meat and precision fermentation as welfare-positive alternatives
Advocate for welfare assessment requirements for emerging agricultural technologies