Document type : announcement of the Animal Welfare Research Network (AWRN).
Context
Registration is now open, the seminar can accommodate a maximum of 100 participants; therefore, participation will be based on a "first come, first served" basis. The deadline for registration is 20/11/2020.
The full title of this event is: "Current developments in Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies: What can we measure and what are the welfare benefits and challenges?"
It will take place online on Friday 20th November, 10am to 4pm.
Addressing the public's concern over farm animal welfare is particularly challenging as meat production is expected to double by 2050. The increase in production and expansion in animal numbers makes animal health and welfare monitoring more difficult for farmers and, as a response to this challenge, the development of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies has gained important momentum. With research pointing towards their potential to help farmers and several countries investing in their development as a strategy to move towards sustainable agriculture, it would not be surprising to see an increase of PLF adoption in the future. While their potential is promising, ethical concerns have also been raised, such as their potential impact on the Human-animal relationshipsshipsship, the objectification of animals and farmers' identity as animal keepers. Considering positive and negative impacts is therefore important, both to maximise potential welfare benefits and minimise the risks.
The workshop
The aim of this one-day, online workshop is to get an overview of current PLF developments (from promising proof-of-concepts to commercially available technologies) and to discuss, through a series of presentations and group activities, their potential to improve animal welfare and how challenges related to their use can be addressed.
The workshop will run from 10am to approximately 4pm. Speakers include Prof. Mark Rutter (Harper Adams University), Dr. Isabelle Veissier (NARIS) and Dr. Emma Baxter (ECCRS). The presentations will touch on a range of topics, from introductions to PLF and the use of technology in welfare monitoring, welfare benefits and potential risks, to recent developments including the monitoring of facial expressions in pigs. The workshop will include opportunities to network, as well as a combination of breakout-group activities and general discussions.
Registration is now open, the workshop can host a maximum of 100 participants; therefore, participation will be based on a 'first come, first served' basis. The deadline for registration is 09/11/2020.
To register please click on this link and complete the form.
