AI, computer vision, video analysis
Smart farming, precision livestock farming, animal welfare, farrowing prediction
By transforming video data into actionable insights, DeepCare4Pigs enables predictive farrowing management that improves animal welfare, reduces losses, and boosts farm productivity.
Artificial intelligence and computer vision are transforming livestock farming by enabling continuous, data-driven monitoring of animal behavior and welfare.
DeepCare4Pigs (DC4P) is an innovative project developed by AWEC and CTRL4 Enviro, with SEGES Innovation (Denmark) and Interface Élevage (France), focused on improving farrowing management in pig production.
The goal is to use AI-powered video analytics to help farmers and veterinarians predict, detect, and respond to critical events during one of the most sensitive stages in pig farming: sow farrowing.
Turning video into actionable intelligence
CTRL4 Enviro brings its expertise in AI-based video analysis to transform raw video feeds and images into meaningful behavioral insights. Using advanced artificial intelligence (3D video analysis), the system continuously monitors sows and piglets in real time.
Instead of manual observation, the platform automatically interprets posture, movement, and activity patterns, generating alerts and insights that support faster and better-informed decision-making.
Predicting farrowing in advance
One of the key innovations of DC4P is the ability to predict farrowing 12 to 24 hours before it begins.
The AI detects early behavioral changes such as nesting activity, posture shifts, and variations in movement. This allows farmers to prepare facilities, adjust staffing, and ensure optimal conditions before farrowing starts.
Real-time detection of welfare risks
During farrowing, the system continuously analyses animal behavior to identify abnormal or risky situations.
It can detect:
• prolonged or difficult farrowing
• signs of stress or discomfort in sows
• low piglet vitality
• increased risk of piglet crushing
Automatic alerts ensure that interventions happen only when needed, reducing workload and stress while improving reactivity.
Reducing piglet mortality and improving performance
Piglet crushing is one of the main causes of early mortality in pig production. By continuously monitoring behavior through video analytics, DC4P helps reduce these losses significantly.
The project targets a potential reduction in piglet mortality of 40-60%, while also improving sow welfare and overall farm productivity.
A unified AI-based monitoring system
Unlike isolated sensors, DC4P combines multiple behavioral indicators into a single intelligent platform:
• sow posture and movement
• piglet activity and vitality
• behavioral interactions
• temporal behavior evolution
This multi-layered approach enables a more accurate and reliable understanding of farrowing dynamics.
The system has also been tested and validated under real farming conditions, ensuring that the technology delivers practical value and can be integrated into everyday livestock operations.
Towards productive livestock farming
DC4P illustrates the shift from reactive to predictive livestock management. By leveraging AI-computer vision, farmers gain real-time visibility and early warnings that improve both animal welfare and operational efficiency.
By combining predictive farrowing capabilities with continuous welfare monitoring and behavioral intelligence into a single platform, DC4P stands out as a pioneering solution in the swine industry.
For CTRL4 Enviro, the project demonstrates how we can turn video analysis into actionable intelligence, supporting a more efficient, sustainable, and welfare-oriented livestock sector.
The DeepCare4Pigs project has been developed with the support of ACCIÓ – Agency for Business Competitiveness of the Generalitat de Catalunya, within the framework of the call for grants for R&D projects (Resolution EMT/1050/2023).
Project partners
ACCIÓ: Public agency of the Generalitat de Catalunya dedicated to the competitiveness and growth of Catalan businesses, through support for innovation, internationalisation, and investment attraction.
AWEC: Start-up specialised in training, advisory services, and applied research on the behaviour and welfare of companion, farm, and wild animals.
CTRL4 Enviro: Company specialised in the development, deployment, and maintenance of proprietary AI-imaging solutions applied to environmental, industrial, and urban challenges.
Interface Élevage: Organisation providing training, advisory services, and R&D support to farmers and agricultural workers across all areas of livestock farming.
SEGES Innovation: Independent research and innovation organisation that combines scientific expertise with digital technologies to develop sustainable and competitive agriculture and food production.
Published on June 29th 2026
