Fulfilling the ‘promise’ of precision’?A user-centred study of sensor technology for farm animal welfare

Precision livestock technologies, such as wearable sensors, have the potential to enhance farm animal welfare by monitoring animals 24/7, allowing data-led early intervention when problems arise and/or inspiring system changes to enhance positive welfare. Previous research conducted by the supervisory team[1] and other groups around the world has illustrated the potential for wearable sensor technologies to improve positive welfare and reduce negative animal welfare. However, the burgeoning literature on precision livestock technology has largely based these promises on assumptions that technologies would be optimally applied on-farm and implemented exactly as manufacturers intend. 

The aim of this PhD is to develop previous research on PLF and technology adoption, to better understand how wearable sensor technologies in livestock systems are used on-farm, and how they affect welfare, and then provide recommendations for manufacturers, retailers, industry groups, and policy-makers, to support farmers in optimising their use (if found to be effective). 

We aim to work with industry involved in developing PLF solutions for animal welfare, but the choice of technology and species to work with may be influenced by the student. More specifically, the successful PhD candidate may investigate the following suggested research questions, though there is flexibility for the student to shape the project: 

1. How do livestock sensor technologies affect farm management decisions?
2. What are the factors that influence if and how sensor technologies are used by farm managers and workers to improve animal welfare?
3. Do sensor technologies lead to enhanced welfare outcomes on-farm?

Research questions 1 and 2 – Social Science study of technology use

The purpose of these research questions could be to address the gap in the literature around post-adoption studies. We will be interested in ‘how’ sensor technologies are being used on-farm, rather than the usual question of ‘if’ they are being used. We know that farm managers and workers do not always use technologies as intended by their manufacturer and positive welfare outcomes depend on users making management improvements based on sensor data. 

Research question 3 – Animal Welfare Assessments

Precision livestock technologies can be utilised to enhance animal welfare, often by alerting farmers to potential problems with livestock. However, it is uncertain whether farmers respond to these alerts and take appropriate action to improve animal welfare, as well as how the technologies themselves perform. Therefore, to assess whether animal welfare improves as a result of technology adoption, welfare assessments could be conducted on the recruited farms, both prior to and after the technology is employed. 

Successful candidates will receive a yearly stipend (paid monthly) for maintenance set at the UKRI rate – for 2024/5 this will be £19,237. The scholarship will cover tuition fees for ‘home’ students (UK and Republic of Ireland). Harper Adams University is unfortunately unable to offer a tuition fee waiver for international students applying and evidence of funding will be required for International Fee paying students to show they can cover the difference between the UK and international fees for the full four years – for the 2024/5 academic year this amount is £10,890. However, scholarships maybe be available at the time of appointment to cover the difference between UK and International fees for the duration of the programme.

We invite applicants from inter-disciplinary backgrounds to apply for this project, which mixes animal welfare science and social science. Whilst we would welcome applicants who have relevant inter-disciplinary backgrounds, training in less developed areas can be given, if the student has specialised previously. This position would suit students with a background in animal science, with a specific interest in animal behaviour, welfare and the use of precision livestock technologies, and who would embrace the opportunity to gain experience in a range of scientific techniques. Likewise, it would suit a student from a social science background, perhaps in agricultural extension, geography, or behavioural economics (and more), who has an interest in technology use in livestock systems.

In return, you will be provided with guidance and supervision from experts in the relevant disciplines, based at Harper Adams University, to guide you through your PhD studies. Applicants must hold a minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent bachelor’s degree in an appropriate subject /high grade point average bachelor’s degree for international applicants or a 2.2 alongside a suitable Master’s Degree. Potential for research based on alternative qualifications/experience as judged acceptable by the university, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please direct any queries related to the PhD project to Dr Gemma Charlton (gcharlton@harperadams.ac.uk)

[1] Charlton et al. (2019) – https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-16854