The effects of technology on farmed animal welfare

Technology has changed almost every aspect of humans’ lives - and the same is true for farmed animals. 

New technologies have had a positive impact on how farmed animals are cared for and raised, for example, animals now benefit from improved health monitoring.

But technology can also present challenges for animal welfare. 

We spoke to Beth, a scientific officer in the RSPCA’s farmed animal department, to find out more about the benefits - and drawbacks - of technology in the farming industry. 

Technology that benefits animal welfare

Beth said: “The RSPCA welcomes new technologies which improve animal health and welfare and help give farmed animals a better life. 

"We've seen fantastic examples of how artificial intelligence (AI) can precisely detect health or welfare concerns in animals. This allows earlier treatment or even the prevention of health problems. 

“For instance, the investment in AI technology on salmon farms can continuously identify thousands of individuals, reduce handling of fish which causes stress, and alert producers to issues that can’t easily be detected by the human eye.”

Welfare impact of maximising production

However, while some technologies may improve animal welfare, the RSPCA also has concerns that some technologies focus on increased productivity and that this is often prioritised over the welfare of the animals. 

Beth said: “The pressure to feed a growing global population and increasing demands for animal protein means that the majority of the farm industry is focused on maximising production. Farming has become more ‘intensive’ to produce more meat, eggs and dairy, faster and at lower cost. 

“While there’s no universally agreed definition of ‘intensive farming', generally very intensive farming involves close confinement systems - for example, cages and crates - more animals kept together with low space allowances, barren environments - and genetic selection for high productivity at the expense of animal health. In other words, lower-welfare farming.

“Animals that are confined in cages or crates and kept in barren environments with nothing to do can become very frustrated and stressed. Cages are not permitted on RSPCA Assured farms - and animals must always have environmental enrichment items to explore, such as straw for pigs to root in and pecking objects for poultry. They must also have plenty of space to freely move around.”

Machines shouldn’t replace human care

The RSPCA is also concerned about technology being used in lower-welfare farming so more animals can be kept together in smaller spaces, fed automatically to maximise weight gain and monitored for health problems. 

Issues can arise where humans rely too much on technology, where animal behaviour changes may go unnoticed or the systems fail - which could result in the animals not receiving adequate care. 

“When technology is focused on making animals more productive, it can mean they may need to cope with worse conditions, for instance, feed intake is maximised for faster growth, but this is more food than the animal would naturally consume,” Beth said.

“Other technologies which require the animal to 'learn' something - such as virtual fencing and automatic feeders - may cause stress to animals. Those who do not learn quickly may be negatively impacted by not being fed enough, or receiving repeated electric shocks from fence lines.”

“Animals can’t be cared for by machines. For this reason, the RSPCA welfare standards - which must be met by all RSPCA Assured members - state they always need to be looked after by a well-trained stockperson who understands animal behaviour and welfare,” Beth added.

Implications of breeding technologies

Technology can also be used to genetically select animals for certain traits. Some are bred to make them grow faster, gain weight more quickly and produce more of the type of meat required, for example more breast meat in chickens.

With an estimated 1 billion chickens farmed in the UK alone each year, more than 90% of them are ‘fast growing’ breeds that have been genetically selected to grow rapidly to reach slaughter weight as quickly as possible. 

Their legs cannot develop fast enough to support their body weight, so in their final days they can struggle to move.

Beth said: “Only slower growing, higher welfare breeds are permitted on the RSPCA Assured scheme. This means they are able to build muscle and their bones can develop to support their body weight - so they can move freely, explore their environment and exhibit their natural behaviours.” 

How can you help?

If you eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy products and would like to help ensure farm animals live better lives, look out for RSPCA Assured-labelled  products when you’re shopping.

You can also take action by lobbying your supermarket to only sell higher welfare produce.