Farm specific approach to piglet mortality using innovative tools and monitoring

General introduction

The aim of this project is to reduce piglet mortality in the farrowing and piglet pen. For this we want to support pig farmers by giving them better insight into the main risk factors and causes of piglet mortality in general. Next, we develop a set of tools to easily identify both infectious and non-infectious farm-specific causes linked to suitable reduction measures. By deploying these tools on farms with increased piglet mortality, targeted management adjustments can be made.

Research approach

We are developing an online tool with benchmarking that will be made available to all pig farmers to identify farm-specific risk factors and implement possible control measures. We also work on a PIGLIFE toolbox for targeted identification of farm-specific causes of piglet mortality through existing and innovative techniques, such as nanopore sequencing for infectious causes. In addition, within this project, we are also developing and validating PLF tools for the identification of the most important non-infectious causes, i.e. by automatic monitoring of piglet and sow parameters in the farrowing house via image analysis and feed intake patterns in the piglet battery via RFID and antenna. 

Relevance/Valorisation

Focusing on improved piglet survival in both the farrowing pen and the piglet battery increases both farm profitability and the sustainability of pig farming in terms of animal welfare and social acceptance.

Funding provider(s)
VLAIO

External partner(s)
Ugent - Fac. Diergeneeskunde