Abstract
The aim of the present study was to automatically predict the onset of farrowing in crate-confined sows. (1) Background: Automatic tools are appropriate to support animal surveillance under practical farming conditions. (2) Methods: In three batches, sows in one farrowing compartment of the Futterkamp research farm were equipped with an ear sensor to sample acceleration. As a reference video, recordings of the sows were used. A classical CUSUM chart using different acceleration indices of various distribution characteristics with several scenarios were compared. (3) Results: The increase of activity mainly due to nest building behavior before the onset of farrowing could be detected with the sow individual CUSUM chart. The best performance required a statistical distribution characteristic that represented fluctuations in the signal (for example, 1st variation) combined with a transformation of this parameter by cumulating differences in the signal within certain time periods from one day to another. With this transformed signal, farrowing sows could reliably be detected. For 100% or 85% of the sows, an alarm was given within 48 or 12 h before the onset of farrowing. (4) Conclusions: Acceleration measurements in the ear of a sow are suitable for detecting the onset of farrowing in individually housed sows in commercial farrowing crates.
Highlights
The course of parturition sets the basis for an optimal start into the suckling period, both for the sow and their piglets
For 100% or 85% of the sows, an alarm was given within 48 or 12 h before the onset of farrowing
(4) Conclusions: Acceleration measurements in the ear of a sow are suitable for detecting the onset of farrowing in individually housed sows in commercial farrowing crates
Summary
The course of parturition sets the basis for an optimal start into the suckling period, both for the sow and their piglets. Problems during parturition often result in health disorders or fertility problems and economic losses for the farmer [1]. Continuous animal surveillance before and during farrowing allows rapid and early human attendance to the sow and their piglets if necessary. Under practical farming conditions continuous animal surveillance is unrealistic and not feasible as it requires high personal effort and is too costly. Automatic monitoring systems are a beneficial management tool to address this issue. Associated alarm systems to predict the onset of farrowing enable targeted work assignments for human resources. Monitoring systems are mainly based on changes in social as well as activity behavior of animals before the onset of farrowing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
