A UK research consortium which includes Newcastle University and a Ripon-based veterinary consultancy has received $3m (£1.2m) funding for a pioneering pig research project.

The 42 month programme aims to develop visual imaging methods and digital technologies to analyse pig behaviour and performance, looking for early warning signs of disease or stress resulting in earlier care and treatment than has previously been possible.

Prof Ilias Kyriazakis from the University's School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, said: “We believe a combination of video imaging and data mining technologies can serve as a cornerstone to continuous improvement in animal welfare and sustainable farming.

"Armed with these data, veterinarians, animal scientists and producers can focus more on preventive medicine and health strategies to capture production efficiencies, making the most of finite resources. We envisage this project serving as a catalyst for innovation in the pig farming industry both in the UK and the broader European community.”

The consortium, which is led by Zoetis, received the Agri-Tech Catalyst Award from Innovate UK, the UK's innovation agency. The other partners include RAFT Solutions, the veterinary and research practice based in Ripon - which is owned by Bishopton Veterinary Group and Synergy Farm Health - Innovent Technology of Aberdeenshire, who will build on its QScan video imaging system which is currently used in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Brazil and China to monitor weight gain in pigs; and Harbro, Scotland's leading independent feed manufacturer which trades throughout the UK.

Nigel Woolfenden, a director of RAFT , said: “We see this project as a prime opportunity to demonstrate the sustainability and profitability outcomes that can be achieved when on-farm data enables preventive healthcare and wellness initiatives. We are looking forward to working with the group in this project.”