Published on EIP-AGRI (https://ec.europa.

eu/eip/agriculture)

Innovative Use of Emerging Technologies to Improve Pig

Production Efficiency
Geographical location:
United Kingdom
Scotland
Keywords:
animal husbandry
Animal husbandry and welfare
meat production
animal disease
animal welfare
pig
Climate and climate change
mitigation of climate change
Farming practice
precision farming
Agricultural sectors:
Pigs
Main funding source:
Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups (in the sense of Art 56 of Reg.1305/2013)
Project type:
Operational group
Starting date:
2016
End date:
2018
Project status:
ongoing
Title (in English):
Innovative Use of Emerging Technologies to Improve Pig Production Efficiency
Language:
English
Objective of the project (native language):

The combination of health and performance data is the perfect driver to improve the efficiency of pig
production and now the technologies are emerging that will allow the collation and analysis of data
from a range of different systems. The aim of the project is to control or eliminate production limiting
diseases by the innovative application of emerging technology to actively drive management changes
on farm through a knowledge transfer network.

Objective of the project (in English):

The combination of health and performance data is the perfect driver to improve the efficiency of pig
production and now the technologies are emerging that will allow the collation and analysis of data
from a range of different systems. The aim of the project is to control or eliminate production limiting
diseases by the innovative application of emerging technology to actively drive management changes
on farm through a knowledge transfer network.

Description of activities (native language):

We will create an evolving knowledge base to provide sustained impetus for improved Scottish
product by:

- Establishing a new Knowledge Transfer and Exchange network for all Scottish commercial pig
producers and their vets, applying novel data visualisation methods. This will involve both face to face
meetings and remote communications
- Integrating existing datasets enabling tailored analysis for each herd, utilising a number of pre-
existing and emerging but untapped, unconnected sources.
- Creating a dynamic health mapping system that can inform strategic decision making for the pig
industry

Total budget:
£441,396
Contact person:

Gordon McKen
28 King Street, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, AB54 8DG
01466792284

Contact e-mail:
gordon@scottishpigproducers.co.uk [1]
Cross-border:
No

Project coordinator

Contact person: Andy MCGOWAN

E-mail: andy.mcgowan@scottishpigproducers.co.uk [2]

Short summary for practitioners

Practice abstract 1
Short summary for
practitioners (native
language):

OUTCOMES
A reduction in the incidence of production limiting diseases on Scottish pig farms, notably:

- Sarcoptic mange
- Enzootic pneumonia
- Porcine reproductive and respiratory disease
- Progressive atrophic rhinitis
- Pleurisy
- Swine dysentery
- Salmonella
 OUTPUTS
- Tailored reports for individual farm units
- Knowledge exchange network operating for pig farmers and their veterinary advisers
- Quarterly reports summarising the health status of the Scottish pig herd
- Dynamic mapping system operating for use in strategic health management

Source URL:
https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/find-connect/projects/innovative-use-emerging-technologies-improve-pig

Links
[1] mailto:gordon@scottishpigproducers.co.uk
[2] mailto:andy.mcgowan@scottishpigproducers.co.uk