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arXiv · 1805.00674

Use of accelerometers to measure physical activity of group-housed pregnant sows. Method development and use in six pig herds

Yannick Ramonet·Carole Bertin
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Abstract

The development of precision livestock farming which adjusts the food needs of each animal requires detailed knowledge of its behavior and particularly physical activity. Individual differences between animals can be observed for group-housed sows. Accelerometer technology offers opportunities for automatic monitoring of animal behavior. The aim of the first step was to develop a methodology to attach the accelerometer on the sow's leg, and an algorithm to automatically detect standing and lying posture. Accelerometers (Hobo Pendant G) were put in a metal case and fastened with two cable ties on the leg of 6 group-housed sows. The data loggers recorded the acceleration on one axis every 20 s. Data were then validated by 9 hours of direct observations. The automatic recording device showed data of high sensitivity (98.8%) and specificity (99.8%). Then, accelerometers were placed on 12 to 13 group-housed sows for 2 to 4 consecutive days in 6 commercial farms equipped with electronic sow feeding. On average each day, sows spent 259 minutes ($\pm$ 114) standing and changed posture 29 ($\pm$ 12) times. The sow's standing time was repeatable day to day. Differences between sows and herds were significant. Based on behavioral data, 5 categories of sows were identified. This study suggests that the consideration of individual behavior of each animal would improve herd management.

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Yannick Ramonet, Carole Bertin. 2018-05-02. Use of accelerometers to measure physical activity of group-housed pregnant sows. Method development and use in six pig herds. https://arxiv.org/abs/1805.00674

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