Brazilian startup uses AI to protect piglets

Brazilian startup Herdian has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to reduce piglet mortality in farrowing units. The technology uses cameras to monitor sow and piglet behaviour around the clock, identify potential risks, and alert farm staff to intervene before piglets are crushed.

Daniel AzevedoFreelance journalist Brazil

Oct 26

News

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Photos: Herdian

Founded in 2024, the agtech estimates that its solution could reduce mortality by up to 30% on farms with mortality rates exceeding 15%, including losses during farrowing. Piglet mortality remains a significant challenge for Brazil's pig industry, as well as across the global sector. According to Agriness's 2025 Annual Pig Production Performance Report, approximately 9% of piglets born in Brazilian farrowing units die before weaning.

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Computer vision models

Piglets being crushed by their mothers is among the leading causes of these losses. To identify potentially dangerous situations, Herdian has developed computer vision models trained on thousands of images and more than 30,000 hours of video footage.