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A workshop funded by the Animal Welfare Research Network (AWRN) was organised by Juliette Schillings on November 20th, 2020. This one-day, online workshop allowed to get an overview of current PLF developments and to discuss, through a series of presentations and group activities, their potential to improve animal welfare and how challenges related to their use can be addressed.<\/p>\n
The workshop gathered over 70 international participants including researchers, NGOs, industries, policy and farmers. Speakers included Prof. Mark Rutter (Harper Adams University), Dr. Isabelle Veissier (INRAE), Dr. Emma Baxter (SRUC) and Dr Ian Werkheiser (Center for Collaboration and Ethics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley).<\/p>\n
Many technologies were discussed, whether commercially available or still at an early development stage, and showed promising potential to help farmers monitor aspects of animal health and welfare. However, many of the discussed technologies also had potential drawbacks such as technical limitations (e.g. lack of validation and data integration, battery issues, etc.), impacts on farmers (e.g. trust in technologies and cost-effectiveness, potential impacts on mental health) and animals (devices not \u2018wearer-driven\u2019, impacts on farm management, lack of focus on positive welfare). Ideas for mitigation included designing technologies in consultation with experts in computer science but also in animal behaviour, more funding on technology validation and data integration as well as social science and animal welfare, implement codes of practice in collaboration with farmers, engage with other stakeholders such as consumers, vets, etc. as well as having incentives and financial support.<\/p>\n
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