SmartResilience: towards a sustainable, future-oriented pig production system that supports and predicts resilience and welfare in pigs

Resilience of pigs is enhanced if they are kept in an alternative system that better supports their natural behaviour. Novel technology, like thermal images and automated measurement of activity patterns, was used to predict recovery from stressors, such as infection. Use of technology to improve the resilience of pigs responds to societal concerns regarding animal welfare, but raises problems of acceptance by those involved too. Therefore, the attitude of stakeholders on the use of novel technology in pig farming has been investigated. Taken together, the project contributes to measuring and improving resilience and welfare of pigs.