QR codes on milk cartons could provide consumers with real-time information on the health and welfare of the cows that produced their milk.
European scientists hope that data collected by precision livestock farming (PLF) tools can be utilised to provide consumers with more details about where their food comes from.
By scanning code with their smart phones, shoppers will be able to trace their milk to the farm it was produced on and see data on the herd’s wellbeing that day, reports Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation Magazine.
In research funded by the EU, scientists are working with producers, policy makers and consumers from six countries to investigate how PLF technology can be used to better understand dairy cattle and pig welfare.
As part of the project, called ClearFarm, they are working with technology companies to create a platform that will enable lifelong monitoring of animal welfare.
Dr Pol Llonch, technical project manager for ClearFarm, based at Universitat Autonomy de Barcelona, said the platform will be the first to provide non-stop, real-time information on animal welfare.
Sensors worn by the animals will collect data on activity, eating patterns and health, enabling farmers to spot health and welfare issues earlier than they might otherwise.
In addition to collecting information, the platform will integrate with recognised ‘domains’ of animal welfare — health, nutrition, comfort, emotional state and nature behaviour — to give a comprehensive picture of animal welfare, Dr Llonch said.
As the ClearFarm project develops, scientists hope the information being collected will help improve all aspects of farm animal wellbeing, regardless of species.
They also hope it will result in new tools for animal measurements to continue expanding the potential of PLF technology to enhance animal care, Dr Lonch added,
