IPreFeR

IPreFeR is a knowledge valorization project focused on transitioning precision livestock farming (PLF) from early-stage prototypes into a commercial, scalable reality for the pig fattening sector.

The project introduces a modular, "plug-and-play" feeding system that connects directly to the PilPig AI platform. Unlike rigid, traditional feeders, IPreFeR allows producers to customize hardware capabilities according to their budget and operational needs.

Key Technological Innovations

• Modular "Pay-As-You-Grow" Architecture: A flexible feeder structure that lets farmers plug in individual functional modules—pen-level demand sensing, RFID pig identification, automated single-auger dosing, and front-leg real-time growth weighing.

• Integrated PilPig AI Ecosystem: Continuous data collection from feeder edge devices feeds predictive models for precise animal monitoring and decision support.

• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Decentralized electronics significantly lower initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) and simplify on-farm maintenance by allowing individual module swaps.

Expected Impact

• Economic Optimization: Improves Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), targeting an absolute reduction of at least 3% in overall feed consumption.

• Proactive Animal Health: Enables early behavioral health alerts up to 48 hours before visual clinical symptoms appear, helping reduce reliance on preventive antibiotics.

• Environmental Sustainability: Restricts nutrient intake to exact daily metabolic needs, reducing Nitrogen and Phosphorus excretion.

• Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Vicente López Sacanell, Dr. Pol Llagostera Blasco

• Testing & Validation Site: Centre d'Estudis Porcins (CEP, Torregrossa)

• Funding Program: Agrotecnio Knowledge Valorization Action