Precision livestock farming: a qualitative exploration of swine industry stakeholders

IntroductionPrecision livestock farming (PLF) technology development has proliferated recently, but on-farm adoption has lagged. Understanding PLF stakeholders' views, practical applications, limitations, and concerns are necessary to understand the factors influencing the adoption of PLF technology. MethodsUsing semi-structured online interviews, 12 influential stakeholders' PLF views and lived experiences were investigated. A phenomenological paradigm was used to generate qualitative data that was analyzed using template analysis. ResultsWe identified two unique groups of stakeholders, namely the PLF enthusiast and PLF cautious groups. The majority of the participants were well aware and had firsthand experience with the PLF technologies that are currently being used in the swine industry. DiscussionWe found that PLF technology was perceived to improve specificity in decision-making, better care for pigs, improve animal health and welfare, increase labor efficiency, and improve resource-use efficiency. Poor internet connectivity and the inability to use PLF data for decision-making due to needing to first complete daily on-farm tasks were considered key obstacles to its implementation. To integrate PLF technology into the existing barn environment, it is necessary to modify farm buildings and infrastructure and management protocols. Stakeholders' main concerns with PLF technology included data privacy issues and the influence of PLF technology on human-animal relationships and farmers' duty of care to the animals. In conclusion, stakeholders perceived camera systems for monitoring pig health and welfare and ensuring individual pig identification as a high priority in PLF development going forward.

Automated summary

Precision livestock farming (PLF) technology development has been rapid, but adoption on farms has been slow. Understanding stakeholders' views, applications, limitations, and concerns regarding PLF technology is crucial for understanding adoption factors. Through online interviews, 12 influential stakeholders' views and experiences were investigated. Two distinct stakeholder groups were identified, the PLF enthusiasts and the PLF cautious. The majority of participants were familiar with and experienced in using PLF technologies in the swine industry. PLF technology was perceived to improve decision-making, care for animals, labor efficiency, and resource-use efficiency. Poor internet connectivity and the need to prioritize daily farm tasks were identified as key obstacles to implementation. Stakeholders' concerns included data privacy and the impact of PLF technology on human-animal relationships and farmers' duty of care. Stakeholders prioritized camera systems for monitoring pig health and welfare and ensuring individual pig identification in future PLF development.