Welfare Health and Productivity in Commercial Pig Herds.

Abstract

Simple SummaryThe continuous development of innovative technologies and the large-scale implementation of these solutions on farms are dynamically influencing the so-called precision livestock farming—PLF. Pig producers striving to increase the profitability of production, food safety, and food itself are increasingly willing to invest in rationalisation systems that raise the technological standards of pig breeding. The use of modern systems in livestock management and animal welfare is based on the use of non-invasive monitoring devices such as cameras, microphones, or detectors and information technology-based data archiving and management systems that support farmers/breeders in the daily running of the farm. Precision farming technologies, which are beneficial for animal welfare as well as for the profit of the livestock producer, help to solve the problems of large-scale animal production and satisfy the expectations of food regulators and consumers themselves. The aim of the paper was to gather contemporary knowledge on innovative technologies applied on pig farms. The paper presents and compares methods of controlling herd behavioural parameters with the use of various monitoring systems and their purpose. The paper also includes a review of potential limitations that may occur in the daily use of the above-mentioned devices. The review presents results on the effectiveness of their use.In recent years, there have been very dynamic changes in both pork production and pig breeding technology around the world. The general trend of increasing the efficiency of pig production, with reduced employment, requires optimisation and a comprehensive approach to herd management. One of the most important elements on the way to achieving this goal is to maintain animal welfare and health. The health of the pigs on the farm is also a key aspect in production economics. The need to maintain a high health status of pig herds by eliminating the frequency of different disease units and reducing the need for antimicrobial substances is part of a broadly understood high potential herd management strategy. Thanks to the use of sensors (cameras, microphones, accelerometers, or radio-frequency identification transponders), the images, sounds, movements, and vital signs of animals are combined through algorithms and analysed for non-invasive monitoring of animals, which allows for early detection of diseases, improves their welfare, and increases the productivity of breeding. Automated, innovative early warning systems based on continuous monitoring of specific physiological (e.g., body temperature) and behavioural parameters can provide an alternative to direct diagnosis and visual assessment by the veterinarian or the herd keeper.