Abstract
Current pig production systems in Europe are subject to public criticism. At the same time, Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies, which allow for automated animal monitoring are entering commercial pig farms. With their claim of improving animal health and welfare, these innovations may respond to public concerns. However, they may raise problems of societal acceptance themselves. In this review, we investigate whether the available literature allows for an analysis to which extent PLF can mitigate or reinforce societal concerns related to pig production. We first analyze papers on pig husbandry systems in general, and then those on PLF as an innovation in animal production. In general, there is a tension between citizens and farmers. Citizens hold rather negative attitudes whereas farmers evaluate pig production more positively. Literature on attitudes of other actors, such as veterinarians, is missing. Information on the attitudes toward PLF of stakeholders other than farmers is lacking. Possible challenges of societal acceptance of PLF and chances to overcome these are only discussed in theoretical approaches. We conclude that to analyze the role of PLF in addressing societal concerns over pig production, there is a need for further empirical research including attention to underlying values of all stakeholders. This should focus on the attitudes of the currently missing stakeholders toward pig husbandry in general, and on those of the wider society toward PLF. Only by means of additional data, it will be possible to evaluate whether PLF has the potential to address societal concerns related to pig production.
Highlights
Societal acceptance of livestock production depends no longer on economic criteria or arguments of food security only (1)
The aim of this paper is to investigate whether the available literature allows for an analysis to which extent Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies have the potential to mitigate or reinforce societal concerns related to current pig production
For this aim we explore public attitudes toward pig production systems and toward PLF technologies as have been described and analyzed in literature
Summary
Societal acceptance of livestock production depends no longer on economic criteria or arguments of food security only (1). Public evaluation focuses on animal welfare, public health risks, and environmental sustainability. The relationship between public criticism and pork consumption seems to be rather diffuse, critical attitudes communicated in public debate influence policy formation (2). The sector’s future “license to produce” depends on the extent to which it is able to respond to societal concerns (3). Rather than considering these concerns as a hurdle which has to be taken to strive for acceptance, it can be seen as a basic driver for innovation (4)
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