3D camera technology could help to predict and eliminate tail biting in pigs

Dr Rick D'Eath discusses his latest research into how 3D video monitoring of tail posture could help to predict and prevent tail biting outbreaks in pigs.

7 March 2019

9 minute read

By: Emily Houghton

Europe

Rick is developing the use of 3D camera technology, coupled with ‘machine vision’ algorithms to detect tail posture in the pig pen

The latest research explores the idea that ‘low tail posture’ – when pigs hold their tails down low against the body – might be an early warning sign for tail biting

References
References
D’Eath, R.B., Jack, M., Futro, A., Talbot, D., Zhu, Q., Barclay, D., Baxter, E.M.
(2018)	Automatic early warning of tail biting in pigs: 3D cameras can detect lowered tail posture before an outbreak. PLoS ONE 13(4): e0194524.
Wedin, M., Baxter, E.M., Jack, M., Futro, A., D’Eath, R.B.
(2018)	Early Indicators of Tail Biting Outbreaks in Pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 208: 7-13.
Lahrmann, H.P., Hansen, C.F., D'Eath, R.B., Busch,M.E. Forkmann, B.
(2018a)	Tail posture predicts tail biting outbreaks on pen level in weaner pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 200, 29-35.
Lahrmann, H.P., Hansen, C.F., D´Eath, R.B., Busch, M.E., Nielsen, J.P. and Forkman, B.
(2018b)	Early intervention with enrichment can prevent tail biting outbreaks in weaner pigs. Livestock Science 214: 272-277.

Emily Houghton

Editor, The Pig Site

Emily Houghton is a Zoology graduate from Cardiff University and was the editor of The Pig Site from October 2017 to May 2020. Emily has worked in livestock husbandry, and has written, conducted and assisted with research projects regarding the synthesis of welfare and productivity of free-range food species.