PigID - Info about the project
Pig farmers today face many challenges: low margins, rising costs, stricter rules around the environment and antibiotic use, as well as higher expectations from consumers and customers. A data-driven approach, more focus on the individual animal and traceability can help cope.
The PigID project, a collaboration between ILVO, PVL and DGZ, investigates how digital monitoring of sows and fattening pigs - from birth to slaughter - can contribute to technical, financial and labour-related improvements for the pig farm. The project started in June 2023 and is funded by VLAIO and several industry partners.
Using electronic identification, it is already technically possible today to track fattening pigs individually. The project aims to show which data are important, how to collect them efficiently, and what added value this brings to the daily management of a pig farm. Thus, traceability helps to work in a more focused way and to make better decisions.
The main aim of PigID is to help pig farmers better manage their farms through individual monitoring of each pig from birth to slaughter. This can provide new insights leading to better performance, health, efficiency and sustainability. Although there is interest in this approach, there is still a need for practical experience, substantiated research and clear added value.
Therefore, the project focuses on four major pillars:
- Data collection and tracking: We test electronic identification in practice, guide pig farmers, automate data flows and carry out quality control across the chain.
- Analysing data: We analyse data from the companies to develop generic insights and practical applications. We also determine the technical, economic, environmental and social impact of individual succession.
- Making information useful to the pig farmer: We build dashboards for internal and external benchmarking and provide a continuous feedback cycle with advice tailored to the company.
- Sharing and valorising results: We communicate with the sector, create a practice guide, share knowledge through scientific and vulgarisation channels, and work with companies to develop further applications. Dashboards and practice tips are widely disseminated.
Practice guide individual succession
Would you like to get a better grip on the growth, health and performance of your pigs? Would you like to monitor your pigs better throughout their lives and up to slaughter, but don't know how? Or would you like to more objectively check the effect of decisions and environmental factors?
This practical guide helps pig farmers get started using RFID technology (Radio Frequisition Idgrafting) for individual monitoring of their pigs. From RFID ear tags - also known as electronic ear tags - to software and regulations, you will find clear explanations, practical tips and an overview of available components. Whether you are just starting out or already have experience with RFID, this guide offers support tailored to your farm.
So be sure to take a look at our practical guide
Market analysis individual follow-up
More and more pig farmers want to get started with individual follow-up, but are not sure where to start. There is often a lack of knowledge, clarity of approach and visibility of the right tools. The PigID project aims to change this. Therefore, a market analysis of available RFID ear tags, readers, accessories and software was carried out.
This analysis reviews:
- What you need to apply individual follow-up;
- Which products and brands are available;
- Details about the product and its compatibility with other products or systems.
This is how we help pig farmers start individual animal monitoring with confidence.
Call for pig farmers
The PigID project focuses on individual tracking of pigs from birth to slaughter via electronic identification (RFID: Radio Frequisition Identification). Indeed, this technology provides valuable information that can help to better manage the pig farm, such as:
- What are my sows really bringing in?
- How do I track my piglets from birth to slaughter?
- What are the benefits and opportunities of individual succession?
- How can I further improve my management?
We are looking for you!
We are looking for pig breeders who will work during one or several rounds want to cooperate.
Are you a pig farmer and would like to test individual follow-up and thus contribute to this research?
Or would you like to be kept up to date with PigID news, events and results?
Scan the QR code or go via the following link And let us know!
What can you expect?
- Electronic ear tags and accompanying reader
- Associated management software and dashboards
- Hands-on guidance and support
- Regular follow-up
- Enthusiastic researchers
