Advancing Precision Breeding Through Rapid Phenotyping Technology

After six years of joint development, testing, and field use, the partnership is entering a new phase with the commercial rollout of the Big I™ multispectral imaging system. Hendrix Genetics has taken delivery of the first 30 units, supporting the broader application of phenotypic data to enhance selection decisions and accelerate genetic progress.

The collaboration between Hendrix Genetics and PGS Metrics is rooted in a shared ambition: improving animal welfare, productivity, and sustainability through smarter use of data and earlier insight. Over the past years, the Big I™ system has been extensively tested on Hendrix Genetics Swine’s nucleus farms in Canada, where more than 75,000 pigs have been assessed.

This large‑scale, real‑world deployment has generated one of the most comprehensive datasets available on individual animal health and production efficiency, directly supporting Hendrix Genetics Swine’s mission to drive meaningful progress while delivering practical value to breeding programs and production systems.

The Big I™ system brings together several advanced technologies within a single phenotyping platform:

• Biometric animal identification
• Video analytics
• 2D and 3D body measurements
• Thermal imaging

Together, these tools enable the collection of continuous, individual‑level phenotypic data at scale, starting early in an animal’s life.

At the core of the system is the @Risk™ algorithm, which can indicate potential health challenges 7 to 10 days before visible clinical signs appear. This early insight allows for timely, targeted action rather than reactive treatment.

“By identifying animals at risk before they show clinical symptoms, producers can act earlier, reduce unnecessary medication, and support antibiotic‑free production systems,” explains Dr. Jack Behan, Chief Commercial Officer at PGS Metrics.

Beyond early health monitoring, the Big I™ platform also introduces the Thermal Efficiency Index (TEI), a model designed to identify animals with stronger thermal and metabolic efficiency.

By revealing feed efficiency potential before animals enter formal performance testing, TEI supports more precise and cost-effective selection decisions. Early trials of TEI‑based feeding strategies suggest feed cost adjustments of up to USD 12 per animal, highlighting the combined biological and economic benefits of rapid phenotyping.

For Hendrix Genetics Swine, rapid phenotyping represents a clear evolution in how breeding data is generated and used – transforming information into impact.

“Rapid phenotyping at this scale is a transformative tool for genetic progress,” says Dr. Owen Willems, Global Research & Development Director at Hendrix Genetics. “The Big I™ system enables us to collect richer data earlier in the animal’s life, accelerating our ability to identify the right animals for breeding and improving overall selection accuracy. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to responsible and sustainable breeding.”

By integrating these insights into breeding programs, Hendrix Genetics can more precisely identify animals that contribute to healthier herds, improved feed efficiency, and resilient production systems.

The technology has undergone extensive scientific validation, led by Dr. Abe Huisman, Director Research and Development at Hendrix Genetics Swine, together with Professor Graham Plastow, Chief Scientific Officer of PGS Metrics. Validation results have been shared with the scientific community, including during recent presentations in France.

With validation complete, PGS Metrics is moving into full commercial deployment. Early support and investment from Hendrix Genetics played an important role in this transition, and the successful repayment of that investment reflects both the maturity of the technology and growing confidence from the wider market.

The Big I™ system is now being evaluated by customers worldwide, including breeding organizations and nutrition companies. As adoption grows, so does recognition of the value of real‑time, individual‑level data for improving on‑farm decision‑making.

“Our relationship with Hendrix Genetics has been central to refining and validating this technology,” says Behan. “Together, we are demonstrating how rapid phenotyping can help producers move forward with confidence and efficiency.”

This collaboration reflects a shared belief that earlier, data‑driven insight should translate into clear outcomes. By bringing rapid phenotyping into practical, large‑scale use, Hendrix Genetics Swine continues to drive progress and deliver value, supporting animal health, production efficiency, and the long‑term sustainability of the swine industry.