The government and the food supply chain industry in the UK has been encouraged to promote the use of modern technologies to strengthen animal health and welfare.

MSD Animal Health have released a report highlighting how revolutionary technology could assist farmers, the supply chain and consumers.

The report, titled ‘Time for Tech’, provides an overview of the benefits that incorporating tech could pose in improving animal performance and cutting antimicrobial use.

The findings use case studies from UK farmers as evidence in showing how technology has aided productivity within a wide range of livestock systems.

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This initiative aims to showcase the advantages of using technologies that automatically monitor the behaviour, productivity, and reproductive status of different livestock species.

The report highlights how this technology can mitigate the effects of stress and disease on productivity, ultimately enabling farm managers to make more informed decisions.

Helene Lanz, managing director at MSD Animal Health UK, said the livestock industry must look to this new tech and welcome the improvements it can offer.

She said: “New systems such as those which enable us to remotely monitor our livestock in real-time are already a key component of many forward-thinking farming systems in the UK and globally.

"But there is still an element of misunderstanding, of mistrust and of hesitancy which is preventing the animal protein industry from adopting precision livestock farming technologies on a truly wholescale level."

The report recognises that the initial investment in monitoring, tagging and automation technologies can be prohibitive for many businesses.

Researchers also acknowledge that not all UK farmers are willing or comfortable using technology to guide their animal management decisions.

However, as the government’s green agenda gains momentum, consumers are becoming more concerned about emissions and the origins of their food.

The report further explains how real-time data can complement preventative vaccination and treatment protocols, leading to higher standards of animal welfare and improved production efficiencies.

“Modern livestock systems have the potential to significantly reduce their impact on the environment while maintaining food affordability,” added Ms Lanz.

She went on to say: “We are therefore keen to engage with farmers, their trusted allies and the wider food supply chain to drive positive change.

"The technologies we are involved with will never be a replacement for expert stockmanship but can add value as a complementary addition to traditional animal husbandry."