Species: Pigs

Integration of computer vision-based behavioral monitoring and machine learning to enhance precision in health and welfare monitoring systems in pig farming

Eddiemar B. Lagua, Hong-Seok Mun, Md Sharifuzzaman, Md Kamrul Hasan, Ahsan Mehtab, Jin-Gu Kang, Young-Hwa Kim, Chul-Ju Yang

Published in 2026

Study showing that computer vision and machine learning are effective in detecting stress-related behaviors in pigs. The models perform very well (especially in binary), but the precise detection of certain states still needs improvement.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

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Space density affects resting location and proximity of fattening pigs at night

Mathilde Coutant, Juliette Michel, Lene J. Pedersen, Mona L.V. Larsen

Published in 2026

Study showing that high stocking densities restrict pigs' choice of location and conditions for nighttime rest, reducing their opportunity to rest on solid flooring or away from other pigs, with potential negative implications for their welfare.

Document types: Scientific documents

Animal categories: Porcines

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Behavior recognition of tail and ear biting in pigs using AI-based computer vision

Qinghua Guo, Clémence A.E.M. Orsini, Patrick P.J.H. Langenhuizen, Yue Sun, Shoujun Huo, Lisette E. van der Zande, Inonge Reimert, J. Elizabeth Bolhuis, Piter Bijma, Peter H.N. de With

Published in 2026

Study demonstrating the feasibility of video-based automated monitoring of tail and ear biting on commercial farms. A computer vision-based model (MViTv2-S) achieves approximately 72% accuracy without having to rely on detection of specific postures, paving the way for early-warning systems and breeding selection strategies to reduce these harmful behaviors.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

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Do pigs like to brush? An observational study of pig brushing behavior in a commercial production environment

Niclas Högberg, Lena Skånberg, Oleksiy Guzhva, Rebecka Westin, Axel Sannö, Anna Wallenbeck, Maria Vilain Rørvang

Published in 2025

First study to describe the brushing behavior of pregnant sows. The results show that they voluntarily use a mechanical brush, suggesting that this equipment may be an appropriate form of enrichment for the welfare of pigs on farm.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

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Play in Fattening Pigs: Prevalence and Potential as an Indicator of Positive Welfare

Puttkammer N., Czycholl I.

Published in 2025

Scientific study showing that play behaviors increase in pigs at the end of the fattening period, but that certain types of play, particularly play with objects, are difficult to interpret, leading to the recommendation that locomotor play should be considered a more reliable and usable welfare indicator.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

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Animal welfare experts renew call on UK government to ban CO2 for pig stunning

Sam Baker

Published in 2025

Article reporting that a British committee of animal welfare experts is urging the pig industry to ban the use of high-concentration CO2 to stun and kill pigs. The experts recommend inert gases such as argon, nitrogen or helium, which cause less pain.

Document Types: Opinions

Animal categories: Porcines

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Pig welfare in scientific literature from 1991 to 2024: A text mining approach

Lianlian Fu, Yu Le

Published in 2026

Systematic review of 1,331 articles (1991-2024) using text mining techniques to identify seven major research Subjects on pig welfare. It reveals a rapid expansion in scientific outputs dominated by Europe and highlights key topics such as tail docking, transport and weaning.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Porcines

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Systematic Review of Acoustic Monitoring in Livestock Farming: Vocalization Patterns and Sound Source Analysis

Ramos Niño JN, Sousa FCd, Oliveira CEA, Coelho ALdF, Hernandez RO, Barbari M.

Published in 2025

Systematic review showing that environmental sounds and animal vocalizations have promise as non-invasive indicators of animal welfare. Despite technological advances, challenges remain in terms of standardization, physiological validation and practical application under real-life commercial conditions.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Cattle, Pigs, Poultry

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Animal welfare and meat quality: The impact of on-farm slaughter on Cinta senese pigs

Roxana Elena Amarie, Jacopo Goracci, Laura Casarosa, Sara Tinagli, Giorgio Briganti, Giampaolo Giunta, Matteo Senese, Giuliana Terracciano, Francesca Campeis, Alessio Del Tongo, Andrea Serra

Published in 2025

Study showing that on-farm slaughtering significantly reduces physiological stress in pigs and improves certain meat characteristics, without compromising microbiological safety. This method appears to be a sustainable and ethical alternative for use in free-range or small-scale farming.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

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