The Intelligent Farrowing Pen

Allocation of extra heat is essential for the survival of newborn piglets. Sensors in each pen providing information about the animal’s welfare may save piglets from early death

About the project

The overall purpose of this project is to develop a commercial first generation of The Intelligent Farrowing Pen for use in large pig farms.

The Intelligent Farrowing Pen is an IT management and surveillance system that can regulate the climate at pen level according to the animals’ actual needs and notify the farmer if any critical situation should arise for sows and piglets. This ensures a better animal welfare, larger piglet survival rate and increased earnings for the farmer.

The first results have shown that a prediction of farrowing may be based on input from sensors recording the sow’s drinking behavior and activity pattern.

Based on this prediction, a warning algorithm capable of transmitting a signal prior to farrowing has been developed.

At the same time, the signal can provide information to the farmer about which sows have started farrowing and thus help to ensure that care is based on the animals’ needs.

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Contact

Head of Communication

Thomas Bjerre

Tel. + 45 3363 7285

Facts

Duration: 4 years
Project period: 2008-2012

Phase 3: Focus – results and further development

Budget: 2.4 €m
HTF investment: 1.3 €m

Partners

SKOV A/S, AU – DJF, Videncenter for Svineproduktion