LEIA - Low-end image analysis to continuously monitor growth and body conformation of fattening pigs

Abstract

Variability within a group of animals is an important information which can be used for further optimization of pig fattening. Hence, this project will provide a generic methodology to continuously monitor the differences of growth and body conformation within a group of animals using a set of robust and simple, i.e. low-end image analysis (LEIA) algorithms. The methodology will be breed independent. The verification of the methodology is done under practical conditions with fattening pigs. The project will provide non-dimensional parameters to describe a group’s heterogeneity with regards to changes in time. Time-series analyses will be used for the estimation of the future development of variability within the group.