Precision in the pen: How the iDOL 65 Camera is redefining pig weighing
Pig weight has traditionally been one of the hardest metrics to capture reliably
13 November 2025
2 minute read
By: In modern pig production, efficiency is measured in data. From climate control to feed conversion ratios, farmers rely on accurate, timely information to make the right decisions at the right time. But one of the most critical metrics—pig weight—has traditionally been one of the hardest to capture reliably without adding stress to the animals or workload to the staff.
That challenge is now being addressed by the iDOL 65 Pig Weighing Camera, a ceiling-mounted 3D imaging system that delivers precise, real-time insights into pig growth and performance.
Accurate Weight Data Every Hour
Mounted above the feed dispenser or drinking area, the iDOL 65 captures an image of pigs in the pen every 10 seconds. Over 24 hours, this equates to roughly 8,600 images. An advanced algorithm then processes this vast dataset to calculate the average weight, standard deviation, minimum and maximum weights, and number of weighings.
The result: farmers receive an accurate hourly update of pig weights, with precision levels of ±5% for pigs between 7–30 kg and ±3% for pigs between 30–110 kg. The algorithm has been validated against more than 29 million individual images of weaned and finishing pigs, making it one of the most robust automated weighing tools available today.
From Data to Action
The camera doesn’t just provide raw numbers—it opens the door to smarter management. By monitoring average weight against standard growth curves, farmers can quickly identify deviations from expectations. The standard deviation data highlights variation within the pen, helping producers decide when to move the smallest or largest pigs to improve uniformity.
Optimizing Feed Decisions
One of the most powerful applications of the iDOL 65 is its integration with feed data. Changing compound feed at the right time is crucial for growth, feed conversion, and profitability. By comparing weight data with feed consumption records, producers can evaluate whether a feed change has the desired effect—and adjust accordingly. In some cases, investing in more expensive feed may deliver better performance and lower total costs, a decision that becomes clear when supported by precise data.
Smarter Growth Monitoring
The iDOL 65 camera makes it easy to track weight gain on a daily basis. Simple comparisons—today’s average weight minus yesterday’s—show whether pigs are progressing along the desired curve. Historical data can be used to compare batches, assess whether growth pauses are occurring, and fine-tune management to unlock full growth potential.
This shift from gut-feeling to data-driven growth tracking allows producers to modernize their production and benchmark performance more accurately than ever before.
Easy to Install, Secure to Use
Installation is straightforward: mount the camera above the feed or drinker, ensure clear visibility, and connect it to the dol-sensors’ Cloud via an internet connection. Data is transmitted hourly via API to the producer’s own server, where it can be integrated with other barn metrics. Importantly, all data belongs to the farmer. Once transmitted, weighing data is automatically deleted from the cloud, ensuring security and full ownership.
Software updates and maintenance are handled centrally when the camera is online, giving farmers a hassle-free experience.
A New Era of Precision Farming
With the iDOL 65 Pig Weighing Camera, farmers can finally combine animal welfare, efficiency, and profitability through accurate, automated data. By removing stress from weighing, ensuring reliable growth tracking, and integrating seamlessly with other barn data, the system sets a new standard in precision pig production.
For producers ready to base decisions on facts rather than gut feelings, the iDOL 65 Camera offers exactly that: a clear picture of growth, every hour, every day.
Learn more at https://www.dol-sensors.com/products/idol-65-camera/
