Intensive Pig Breeding Research Articles

Object detection and state analysis of pigs by deep learning in pig breeding

Introduction: Attack behavior is common in intensive pig breeding, where the hard conditions of the piggery can lead to illness or even death for the pigs. High labor expenses will result from manually observing and recognizing pig attack behaviors in intensive porcine breeding operations. Objective: This study aims to employ deep learning techniques to identify and classify various aggressive behaviors in pigs, enhancing monitoring efficiency in breeding facilities. Methods: A novel ladybug beetle-optimized adaptive convolutional neural network (LBO-ACNN) was proposed to recognizepig behavior in pig breeding. Pigs' object detection dataset was gathered for this investigation. The data preprocessed using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) eliminates noise from each frequency component by breaking down the image into its elements. The proposed method is implemented using Python software. The proposed method is compared to other algorithms. Result:The investigational outcome shows that the suggestedstrategy accurately identifies pig behaviors, achieving a high F1-score (93.31%), recall (92.51%), precision (94.17%), and accuracy (94.78%) demonstrating its effectiveness in monitoring and classifying behaviors in breeding facilities

ITS 41-2017 "INTENSIVE PIG BREEDING": UPDATING’S DIRECTIONS

The analysis of the domestic information-and-technical ITS 41-2017 "Intensive pig breeding" book’s reference is given. The directions of its updating in accordance with the adopted documents’ regulatory and amendments by new developed technologies are determined. The handbook’s updating includes this values of application’s scope adjusting, BAT indicators’ technological list clarifying, updating and tables data of pollutants’ emissions supplementing, existing technologies’ descriptions adding, best available technologies’ promising list expand by domestic developments in it including. To improve the work on this handbook, it is proposed the task’s state for fundamental priority conducting and applied research topics on the environmental assessment of intensive pig breeding to include; theoretical and experimental studies of all elements of intensive pig breeding technologies in order to obtain scientifically sound values of specific emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases’ substantiate technological standards and data for harmful emissions inventory to carry out; research efficiency optimizing of nutrients’ use and the negative impact reducing on the environment to conduct; regional programs for agricultural waste management, providing the enterprises’ engaged stimulation in environmental protection’s activities through the best available technologies’ introduction to develop; "pilot" farms to demonstrate BAT intensive Russian pig farming to create and independent and reliable data on the technologies using to obtain.

Effect of Enrichment Items on the Physiology and Behavior of Sows in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy.

Simple SummaryEnvironmental enrichment can mitigate the damage to animal welfare induced by modern intensive pig farming practices, especially when pregnant sows are raised in confined stalls. This study investigated the effects of enrichment items (such as adding pine and scented wood in confinement stalls) on the physiology and behavior of sows during late gestation. Adding both pine and scented wood in confinement stalls was shown to alleviate chronic stress and stereotypical behavior of sows, suggesting their potential as an interesting and feasible way to reduce welfare compromise.Modern intensive pig breeding harms animal welfare, which is especially noticeable for pregnant sows kept in confinement stalls. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of enrichment items on the movement and physiological parameters of sows in the third trimester of pregnancy. A total of 30 large white pregnant sows were randomly divided into three equal treatment groups (n = 10): control, pine wood, and scented wood groups. Interestingly, compared with the control group, the sows in the pine wood or scented wood groups showed less ventral lying and more lateral lying behavior (p < 0.01), coupled with significant reduction in the frequency of scratching and sham-chewing (p < 0.01), but with no significant difference in the degree of preference for these enrichment items (p > 0.05). Additionally, the sows in the pine wood or scented wood groups also decreased significantly in the concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) (p < 0.01) and the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p < 0.05) throughout the late pregnancy period. Overall, adding enrichment items to confinement stalls can alleviate the chronic stress and the stereotypic behavior of sows, suggesting their potential to reduce welfare compromise.

Production Efficiency Prediction of Pig Breeding Industry by Optimized LSTM Computer Algorithm under Environmental Regulation

The study aims to improve the economic income of pig breeding industry under environmental regulation and control the environmental pollution caused by pig breeding. Long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network combined with environmental regulation is proposed to forecast the price of live pigs, to reduce the cost of environmental pollution control and improve the production efficiency of pig breeding. Primarily, analyses are made on the industrial structure and pollution of pigs in China, and studies are carried out on the inevitability of large-scale and intensive pig breeding. Then, pig breeding and environmental pollution are coordinated under the environmental regulation. From the perspective of green total factor productivity, calculation is made on the profit of pig breeding and the cost of environmental pollution control. Next, the LSTM neural network is used to predict the price of live pigs, thus effectively controlling the scale of pig breeding and making timely decisions that conform to market rules. The results show that with the increase of feed and land prices, the advantages of large-scale pig breeding gradually become prominent, which leads to the small- and medium-sized scale farmers withdrawing from the market. Compared with other similar models, the designed model can better simulate the future trend of hog price, of which the prediction accuracy is over 80%. When combined with environmental regulations, the prediction accuracy of the model for different data sets reaches 83%, so the designed model can better predict the changing trend of the price of live pigs, thus improving the production efficiency of large-scale pig farmers.

The level of products of lipid peroxidation in the blood of piglets at the action feed additive “Sylimevit”

Intensive pig breeding has been reported in the literature to suggest that early weaning of piglets from sows is an extreme stimulus that reduces the protective and adaptive responses of piglets. That is why the aim of the study was to study the effect of the feed additive “Sylimevit” on the level of lipid peroxidation products of piglets after weaning. Two groups of piglets were formed – control and experimental in the amount of 10 individuals in each group, selected on the principle of analogs – age, breed and body weight. During the weaning period, the piglets were kept under the sow in special machines, had constant access to the mother, and from the age of 5 days – free access to concentrated feed. While feeding of animals was carried out in accordance with the norms for a given age of pigs. Prior to the study, a clinical and physiological examination of the piglets was performed. Their general condition and activity when eating food were taken into account. On the 28th day of life, the piglets were weaned from the sow and regrouped from different nests in order to be further maintained during the period of fattening and rearing with a change in the structure of the diet, which served as technological stress for the animals. From the age of 5 days, piglets of all groups were fed pre-starter feed. Piglets of the experimental group, from 21 to 40 days of age, were additionally fed the feed supplement “Sylimevit” at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight per day. The technological stress of weaning piglets from sows is accompanied by a gradual probable intensification of lipid peroxidation processes. Feeding Sylimevit feed to piglets after weaning helped to reduce the content of intermediate and final products of lipid peroxidation: lipid hydroperoxides – by 52 % (P &lt; 0.001) and TBA-active products – by 22.5 % (P &lt; 0.01). Thus, feeding the piglets of the experimental group of the feed additive “Sylimevit” helped to suppress the processes of lipid peroxidation in animals. Thus, the results of the use of feed additive “Sylimevit” in weaned piglets showed a pronounced antioxidant effect. The components of the feed additive directly interacted with reactive oxygen species and free radicals, preventing the development of oxidative stress.

«ПРОЗРАЧНАЯ СВИНОФЕРМА»: ПРОСВЕТИТЕЛЬСКАЯ РАБОТА С ПОТРЕБИТЕЛЯМИ

Over the past 10 to 15 years, there has been a significant change in people's access to information. The need for food producers to understand consumers and their motivation when choosing a product has increased. The article compares consumer preferences in the United States and Russia. Specific examples are used to analyze the difference in the perception of visual information depending on the experience and knowledge of the biological characteristics of pigs. The 9 most relevant issues of educational work, including: environmental protection measures, measures to reduce odors, production in the open air and indoors, fixed or free maintenance of pregnant sows, castration, cutting of tails, grinding of fangs, the practice of using antibiotics, the practice of using growth stimulants, the nature of rapid growth and achieving slaughter condition, animal welfare. The answers to most of the above questions are contained in the information and technical handbook of the Best Available Technologies Intensive Pig Breeding, which was put into effect in the Russian Federation in December 2017. As the main tools for information communication with the consumer, it is proposed to use more actively social networks, company websites on the Internet, television and radio, publications in the press, agrotourism, agricultural classes and agricultural classes in schools.

Indicators of energy metabolism in pigs when feeding various iron compounds

Intensive pig breeding is usually aimed at increasing the growth of young pigs, reducing feed costs by 1 kg of live weight gain, balancing diets with the content of the main nutrients. In order to obtain high-quality pig production, it is necessary to make corrections of rations in pigs of different technological groups using mineral feed additives that take into account not only the physiological needs of minerals of the corresponding age groups and classes of pigs but also the biogeochemical zone or the province where the farms are located in which feed is grown, as well as the conditions that accompany the emergence of the deficit. However, the use of these substances should not adversely affect the quality of products, its cost. These substances include iron preparations. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the life of the organism. They get into the blood from the digestive tract in the form of monosaccharide – glucose. When it comes from the intestines into the bloodstream, glucose passes through the portal vein to the liver, where it becomes a glycogen. The activities of practically all organs without exception are more or less dependent on the content of carbohydrates in the blood streaming into them. Glucose is a universal energy source. As expended, glucose stores in the blood are replenished and, thus, its relatively stable content in the plasma is provided. The transformation of glucose in the tissues occurs both with the participation of oxygen, and without it, by glycolysis. Glycogen under the influence of the enzyme phosphorylase is split into glucose and phosphoric acid. Glucose, as a source of energy, is necessary for all tissues of the body, especially its great importance for the functions of the muscular and nervous systems. The results of our studies indicate that the glucose content in the experimental pigs' blood was lower by an average of 4.7% (P &lt; 0.05) – the first group; 6.4% (P &lt; 0.02) was the second group and 8.2% (P &lt; 0.01) was the third group compared to the control animals. Decrease in glucose (within the limits of physiological fluctuations) is associated with more intensive use of the body tissues as an energy source. The activation of energy processes and increase of an additional background of phosphates in the body due to the action of chelating iron compounds is evidenced by the observed increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase in pigs in experimental groups. The enzyme mentioned catalyzes the cleavage of the phosphate group from the organic monophosphoric acid orthophosphoric acid, and is responsible for the absorption of phosphorus from animal rations. The activity of LF was significantly higher with respect to control in the blood of experimental animals throughout the study period at 1.2; 1.5 and 1.6 times. The higher activity of alkaline phosphatase in the blood of pigs in experimental groups is also explained by the increase of phosphorylation processes due to the better absorption of phosphorus from the feed by the organism due to the action of iron chelate compounds.

Identification and prevalence of swine pasivirus 1 in eastern Romanian pig farms.

Swine pasivirus 1 (SPaV-1) was first detected in the feces of healthy pigs in France as a new species in family Picornaviridae. We investigated the presence, distribution, and genetic variability of this virus in 7 geographic areas with intensive pig breeding farms in eastern Romania. A total of 564 porcine specimens, including 82 fecal specimens and 482 pools of organs, were collected from healthy pigs in different stages of production from pathogen-free swine farming units. The virus was found in 6 of 7 areas investigated. Of the 564 samples analyzed, 218 were positive for SPaV-1, with the highest prevalence of the virus in organ homogenates (39% positive) followed by feces (37% positive). The highest susceptibility to infection was found in nurseries (50% positive in both the first and second months of feeding). Sequencing analysis of VP0 revealed 3 different Romanian sequences. The phylogenetic investigations suggest that the Romanian sequences cluster with other Pasivirus strains selected from the GenBank database, forming a separate clade from other Picornaviridae genera and defining the described Pasivirus.

How environmental conditions impact mosquito ecology and Japanese encephalitis: An eco-epidemiological approach

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is one of the major vector-borne diseases in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region, posing a threat to human health. In rural and suburban areas, traditional rice farming and intensive pig breeding provide an ideal environment for both mosquito development and the transmission of JEV among human beings. Combining surveillance data for mosquito vectors, human JE cases, and environmental conditions in Changsha, China, 2004–2009, generalized threshold models were constructed to project the mosquito and JE dynamics. Temperature and rainfall were found to be closely associated with mosquito density at 1, and 4month lag, respectively. The two thresholds, maximum temperature of 22–23°C for mosquito development and minimum temperature of 25–26°C for JEV transmission, play key roles in the ecology of JEV. The model predicts that, in the upper regime, a 1g/m3 increase in absolute humidity would on average increase human cases by 68–84%. A shift in mosquito species composition in 2007 was observed, and possibly caused by a drought. Effective predictive models could be used in risk management to provide early warnings for potential JE transmission.

Effect of a homeopathic complex on reproductive performance in a commercial pig farm

Alternative therapies based on homeopathy can be effective in improving reproductive performance in intensive pig breeding. In this study, the effect of a homeopathic complex on reproductive performance of sows under intensive farming has been investigated. Over period of three years, 186 sows were recruited from a farm where a large proportion of animals were suffering from prolonged weaning-to-oestrus intervals (WEI) and weaning-to-service intervals (WSI). Sows were allocated to two groups; once per month, one group was given a homeopathic complex (Borax 10 mK plus Lycopodium 10 mK), while the other group was given a hydro-alcoholic solution (placebo). The follow-up period started one week before the expected date of oestrus, continued for two pregnancies and ended after the weaning of the second farrowing. To evaluate reproductive performance, during the follow-up we collected data on quantitative parameters such as the average number of stillbirths, newborns, and repeat services per farrowing. Time-related data such as WEI, WSI, length of the two pregnancies and weaning periods were also collected to measure the length of the follow-up of each sow. Differences in quantitative parameters between the two groups were evaluated using parametric and non-parametric statistics. Time-related data were used to plot Kaplan-Meier curves and in Cox regression models to evaluate whether treated sows had a higher probability of experiencing a shorter follow-up in comparison to untreated sows. We did not found significant differences in the number of newborns, while the number of stillbirths was higher in the treatment group, even if the difference was slightly significant (p-value=0.03). The number of repeat services was lower in the treatment group, and this difference was highly significant (p-value<0.001). Results from the Cox regression models suggest that the end of the follow-up was reached by sows of the treatment group at about twice the rate of sows of the control group (model 2, Hazard Ratiotreatment=2.27; 95%CI: 1.56-3.24).

Chemical composition of complete fodder mixes for pig diet during 2007-2009

Intensive pig breeding implies, among other things, the use of complete mixes in their diet in correspondence with the animals? age and purpose. In the course of a threeyear period (2007-2009) the accredited laboratory of the Department for Nutrition and Botanics of the Faculty for Veterinary Medicine, Univerisity of Belgrade, analysed 65 fodder mix samples from the territory of Serbia intended for the diet of all categories of pigs, namely: 6 samples of complete mixes for the diet of pregnant sows and gilts, 9 samples of complete mixes for the diet of nursing sows and boar, 4 samples of complete mixes for enhanced diet of piglets, 13 samples of complete mixes for piglets in programme I up to 15 kg, 12 samples of complete mixes for piglets in programme II from 15-25 kg, 10 samples of complete mixes for growing pigs in fattening programme I from 25-60 kg, and 11 samples of complete mixes for pigs in fattening programme II from 60-100 kg. The analyses covered the contents of the elementary nutritive matter and the obtained results were compared with the quality conditions prescribed under the Regulations on the quality of animal feed (Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 41/09). It was established that there were certain deviations with regard to the values presented in the Regulations on the quality of animal feed (Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 41/09) in the average protein content in complete mixes for piglet diet II, 15-25 kg (17.89?1.19%) and in the mixes for growing pig diet II, 60-100 kg (13.95?0.53%). The established average fat content was lower in the mixes for enhanced piglet diet (5.99? 0.72%) and in mixes for piglet diet I, up to 15 kg (4.95?1.41%). A higher average cellulose content (4.08?0.73%) was established in mixes for enhanced piglet diet. Furthermore, significant differences from the values prescribed under the Regulations were established in certain samples. The established differences in the chemical composition of certain samples of the examined mixes without a doubt indicate the need for constant and multilevel monitoring of raw materials and finished products in order to preserve health and to ensure the best possible utilization of the production potential of animals.

Paradigms and paradoxes of agricultural risk governance

Essential requirements of council directives and legal provisions in medical feedstuffs are not satisfied in Germany. The 'Schweinemastskandal' (intensive pig breeding scandal) sheds light on the various stakeholders that exploit ambiguous EU regulatory control structures through the use of hazardous feeding stuff and prophylactic prohibited medication. This case helps the understanding of particular phenomena in agricultural risk management: The EU governance system aims for price competitive quality food, and controls the producer indirectly, delegating the essential control functions to national authorities that delegate to the controller, who in turn is also the key to over-medication and hence risk taking. The farmer strives for economic efficiency, profit maximisation and market share, and is furnished illegal medication by certain veterinarians who are paradoxically judge and party to the production process.

Dermonecrotic toxin production by strains of Pasteurella multocida isolated from man

Ninety-four clinical isolates of Pasteurella multocida of human origin were tested for dermonecrotic toxin (DNT) production by three methods: dermonecrotic test in guinea-pigs, Vero cell culture cytotoxicity and ELISA. The strains were isolated from patients living in a rural area with widespread intensive pig breeding. Six strains were found to be toxigenic by the three tests. A major protein band of Mr 145 Kda corresponding to DNT on immunoblots was demonstrated in extracts from these strains. All were isolated from respiratory tract (diseases 5, healthy carriage 1). The difference between isolates from the respiratory tract and isolates from wounds inflicted by pets was statistically significant with regard to DNT production (p less than 0.02). A possible role of the toxin in pulmonary diseases caused by P. multocida has yet to be established.

Epizootiology of swine fever

Summary In countries with an intensive pig production system, swine fever (SF), where present, may be regarded as one of the economically most important pig diseases. Although reservoirs of virus and pathways of transmission are well understood, field experience has shown that the disease is extremely difficult to eradicate, especially in countries with intensive pig breeding. The virulence of the strains circulating in the field and the measures applied to control the disease determine to a large extent the course of an epizootic. Outbreaks of highly virulent strains are readily recognised. Epizootics caused by low virulent strains are characterised by indistinct signs of disease, slow spread of virus through the herd and the comparatively important role of the 'carrier sow syndrome'. The latter phenomenon may result in the birth of healthy looking but persistently infected and immune-tolerant piglets. This and the occurrence of chronic infections are largely responsible for the perpetuation of the virus in the pig population. The 1982-1985 epizootic of SF in the Netherlands showed an almost equal prevalence of outbreaks in breeding and fattening herds. In proportion to the number of herds in the country, there was in both categories an approximately linear relationship between the risk of infection and the size of the herds. The proportion of affected breeding herds increased as mass vaccination of areas at risk was started earlier in the epizootic. In close-knit communities with large breeding units, man should be regarded as the single most important factor in the herd-to-herd transmission of the virus, whereas in fattening units and in areas with small pig farms, transport and introduction of infected pigs into herds accounts for the majority of outbreaks and for the spread of the disease. Farms visited by persons handling pigs subsequent to contact with an infected herd should, therefore, be included in the epizootiological investigations. Virological and serological methods are indispensable in order to confirm or to rule out the possibility of infection of suspected contacts, especially in outbreaks caused by strains of low virulence. Continuous education of farmers regarding the importance of maintaining precautionary measures against the introduction of contagious diseases and, in the case of an advancing epizootic, special instructions to all people entering piggeries, would contribute greatly to reducing the untraceable pathways of SF spread.

Seasonal reproductive inefficiency in large pig breeding units in Britain

The reproductive performance of five large, intensive pig breeding units was monitored over a period of 930 days. During this time three periods of reproductive inefficiency were noted, these mainly involving animals served during the summer months of July and August. Manifestations of this inefficiency were returns of oestrus, abortions and animals reaching 95 days of presumed gestation not-in-pig. It is suggested that ambient temperature stress, a hitherto unidentified arbortifacient factor, and a seasonal tendency towards suboestrus may have been contributory factors.

La mutation de l'élevage et ses conséquences : l'exemple de la région de Lamballe

The growth of intensive aviculture in the district of Lamballe (Côles-du-Nord) came before that of intensive pig breeding wich is improving very quickly thanks to the influence of a group of producers free from food makers and slaughter houses. In the parish of Hénanbihen the density of intensive breeding is such that the land structures are deeply changed. The farms only produce a very little part of the necessary food to intensive breeding. Farming is over simplified. Only barley is grown as well as Indian corn which appears more and more. The milch cows are replaced by young cattle that are bred for the meat. Intensive breeding allows the small farms to survive and reduces the depopulation of the country. The landscape itself is changed by the huge stock- farms built near the farm. The author suggests « agro-industrial » to qualify both these structures and landscape, half way between traditional countryside and modern industry.