Precision Livestock Farming (PLF for short) stands for real-time and continuous fully automated monitoring and management of animals through modern technology (sound analysis in this case). The technology first developed scientifically in insects, mussels and fish and later applied to farm animals has become a global trend in livestock farming.
The main purpose of PLF technology is to monitor and manage the production process based on the animal's reactions. To this end, technology uses continuous, objective and quantitative monitoring of the animal to monitor the process fully automatically. The PLF technology continuously analyses parameters of sound to monitor animal behaviour, health and productivity. The farmer receives alarm signals when necessary to adjust his management.
This project seeks to use sound technology to identify diseases early and thus control them faster and more effectively. To have a clear consensus from farmers on the advantages and disadvantages, it was decided to demonstrate the technology on 10 farms. As the main objective of the project is to demonstrate the possibilities of sensor technology to Flemish pig farmers, average farms (and not only top farms) were selected.
PLF systems were installed in these 10 fattening pig farms. The SoundTalks system is installed in 2 compartments each time. This system does a continuous analysis of the sounds, temperature and humidity and gives an indication number about the respiratory health of the animals. The system issues an alarm if respiratory health degrades via text message to the farmer and, if required, to the veterinarian. The system includes micros, an electronic unit that captures/analyses the sounds and sends data to the cloud. The cloud runs an algorithm that provides feedback/advice to the farmer.
The system was shown to detect more respiratory problems on field farms than the pig farmer/veterinarian. Moreover, detection typically occurs 2 to 12 days earlier. We assume that the pig farmer needs about 3 months to learn to work smoothly with the system.
Project objective
The aim of this demonstration project is to make Flemish pig farmers aware of the new possibilities in precision farming and the benefits it can bring within daily management and competitiveness within European pig farming. Within the project, pig farmers can also learn from each other in the training sessions, discussion, study and demo days. Within the consortium, it is also intended that pig farmers can learn from the similar project within poultry farming ("Health monitoring via imaging technology in broiler chickens) and vice versa.
The project aims to contribute to the dissemination of scientific insights on the use of precision farming. Not only sound technology in pig farming, but also open up this spectrum to the surrounding services and institutions (vets, feed companies, slaughterhouses,...).
With the cough monitor as a smartfarming technology for pigs, a practice-ready answer is available for the early detection of respiratory diseases by using the sounds that pigs make This improved, rapid and continuous observation of animals can reduce the use of drugs, thus optimising the growth process with the end goal of a better economic result. Through this technology, animals can be treated individually rather than in groups. This way, the use of antibiotics can be reduced and pig farming can be done in a more sustainable way.
This will help maintain the competitiveness of the fattening pig sector in Flanders against the rest of the world. For economic reasons, the number of animals per farm has increased in recent years and this may continue to rise in the future. As a result of this trend, it has become impossible for pig farmers, farm advisers and vets to constantly observe large groups of pigs. Rapid detection and identification of infections is therefore extremely important.
There is also social pressure for antibiotic-free meat, making the reduction of antibiotic use an important competitive instrument at global level. In this development, the Flemish fattening pig sector cannot be left behind given the sector's high economic importance and large share of Belgian exports.
