Pig Welfare and Farrowing Supervision Advanced

Advanced farrowing supervision using technology and evidence-based protocols reduces neonatal mortality while improving stockperson efficiency.

Key Facts

CCTV farrowing cameras allow remote monitoring reducing labour while maintaining oversight
Sow activity sensors detect onset of farrowing 1-2 hours before birth
Temperature monitoring in creep areas ensures piglets can maintain warmth after birth
Digital farrowing records enable identification of problem sows requiring additional supervision
Night farrowing supervision is highest impact in reducing neonatal mortality

Welfare Considerations

Advanced farrowing supervision technology extends the welfare benefit of human oversight while reducing the labour intensity that makes overnight supervision economically challenging. Camera systems that alert stockpeople to farrowing onset enable timely intervention for difficult births without continuous physical presence. Digital records that identify sows with historical problems allow targeted supervision of highest-risk animals. These tools make welfare-positive farrowing management economically viable on more farms.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare standards requiring farrowing supervision systems
Advocate for technology-enabled farrowing monitoring as a welfare assurance standard
Choose pork from farms investing in advanced farrowing supervision technology