The Use Of Artificial Neural Network In Identifying Swine Vocalization [uso De Redes Neurais Artificiais Na Identificação De Vocalização De Suínos]

Animal welfare has been an important research topic in animal production mainly in its ways of assessment. Vocalization is found to be an interesting tool for evaluating welfare as it provides data in a non-invasive way as well as it allows easy automation of process. The present research had as objective the implementation of an algorithm based on artificial neural network that had the potential of identifying vocalization related to welfare pattern indicatives. The research was done in two parts, the first was the development of the algorithm, and the second its validation with data from the field. Previous records allowed the development of the algorithm from behaviors observed in sows housed in farrowing cages. Matlab® software was used for implementing the network. It was selected a retropropagation gradient algorithm for training the network with the following stop criteria: maximum of 5,000 interactions or error quadratic addition smaller than 0.1. Validation was done with sows and piglets housed in commercial farm. Among the usual behaviors the ones that deserved enhancement were: the feed dispute at farrowing and the eventual risk of involuntary aggression between the piglets or between those and the sow. The algorithm was able to identify through the noise intensity the inherent risk situation of piglets' welfare reduction.282204216ALGERS, B., JENSEN, P., Communication during suckling in the domestic pig effects of continuos noise (1985) Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 14 (1), pp. 49-61. , Londres, vBECKER, G.B., (2004) Bem-estar animal, , www.porkworld.com.br, Disponível em:, Acesso em: 9 fev. 2005CHEDAD, A., MOSHOU, D., AERTS, J.M., HIRTUM, A., Van, RAMON, H., BERCKMANS, D., Recognition system for pig cough based on probabilistic Neural Networks (2001) Journal of Agricultural Research, 79 (4), pp. 449-457. , Bristol, vDAWKINS, M.S., COOK, P.A., WHITTINGHAM, M.J., MANSELL, K.A., HARPER, A.E., What makes free-range broiler chickens range? In situ measurement of habitat preference (2003) Animal Behaviour, 66 (1), pp. 151-160. , London, vFRASER, A.F., BROOM, D.M., Farm animal behaviour and welfare (1990) Londres: B, , 3rd ed, Tindall, 246 pFRASER, D., The vocalization and other behaviour of growing pigs in an "open field" test (1974) Applied Animal Ethology, 1 (1), pp. 13-16. , Edinburgo, vGRANDIN, T., The feasibility of using vocalization scoring as an indicator of poor welfare during slaughter (1998) Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 56 (2), pp. 121-128. , Bristol, vGRAUVOGL, A., (1958) Über das Verhalten des Hausschweines unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Fortpflanzungsverhaltens, , Berlin: Freie Universität, 112 pHAY, M., VULIN, A., GÉNIIN, S., SALES, P., PUNIER, A., Assessment of pain induced by castration in piglets: Behavioral and physiological responses over the subsequent 5 days (2003) Applied Animal Behavior Science, 82 (3), pp. 201-218. , Bristol, vHAYKIN, S.S., (2001) Redes neurais: Princípios e práticas, , Porto Alegre: Bookman, 236 pHEIER, B.T., HOGASEN, H.R., JARP, J., Factors associated with mortality in Norwegian broiler flocks (2002) Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 53 (1-2), pp. 147-158. , Ithaca, vJENSEN, P., ALGERS, B., An ethogram of piglet vocalizations during suckling (1984) Applied Animal Ethology, 11, pp. 237-248. , Edinburgo, vKILEY, M., The vocalisations of ungulates, their causation and function (1972) Tierpsychologie, 31 (1), pp. 171-222. , Dusseldorf, vKLINGHOLZ, F.: MEYNHARDT, H. Lautinventare der S.augetiere - diskret oder kontinuierlich, Zeitschrift. Tierpsychologie, Dusseldorf, v.50, n.1, p.250-64, 1979LE NEINDRE, P.GUÉMENÉ, D.ARNOULD, C.LETERRIER, C.FAURE, J.M.PRUNIER, A.MEUNIER-SALAÜN, M.C. Space, environmental design and behaviour: Effect of space and environment on animal welfare. In: GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON ANIMAL WELFARE: AN OIE INITIATIVE. 2004. Disponível em: www.oie.int/eng/Welfare_2004/Conference.htm. Acesso em: 24 fev. 2005MANTEUFFEL, G., PUPPE, B., SCHÖN, P.C., Vocalization of farm animal as a measure of welfare (2004) Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 88 (1), pp. 163-182. , Bristol, vMANTEUFFEL, G., SCHÖN, P.C., Measuring pig welfare by automatic monitoring of stress calls (2002) Agrartechische Berichte, Bornim, 29 (1), pp. 110-118McINERNEY, J.P., Animal welfare, economics and policy - report on a study undertaken for the Farm & Animal Health Economics Division of Defra, , www.defra.gov.uk/esg/reports/animalwelfare.pdf, February 2004. Disponível em:, Acesso em: 16 jun. 2004PRESCOTT, N.B., WATHES, C.M., Preference and motivation of laying hens to eat under different illuminances and the effect of illuminance on eating behaviour (2002) British Poultry Science, 43 (2), pp. 190-195. , Londres, vREBY, D., LEK, S., DIMOPOULOS, I., JOACHIM, J., LAUGA, J., AULAGNER, S., Artificial Neural Networks as a classification method in behavioural sciences (1997) Behavioural Process, 40, pp. 35-43. , Londres, vROLLIN, B.E., (1995) Farm animal welfare: Social, bioethical, and research issues, , Ames: Iowa State University Press, 168 pSCHÖN, P., PUPPE, B., GROMYKO, T., MANTEUFFEL, G., Common features and individual differences in nurse grunting of domestic pig (Sus Scrofa) a multi-parametric analysis (1999) Animal Behaviour, 136, pp. 49-66. , London, vWEARY, D.M., APPLEBY, M.C., FRASER, D., Response of piglets to early separation from the sow (1999) Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 63 (2), pp. 289-300. , Bristol, vWEARY, D.M., BRAITHWAITE, L.A., FRASER, D., Vocal response to pain in piglets (1998) Applied Animal Behavior Science, 56 (2-4), pp. 161-172. , Bristol, vWEARY, D.M., ROSS, S., FRASER, D., Vocalizations by isolated piglet: Reliable indicator of piglet need directed towards the sow (1997) Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 53, pp. 249-257. , Bristol, vWENNRICH, G., Zum lautinventar bei haushühnern (Gallus f. domesticus). (1981) Berl Münch Tierärztl Wschr, 94, pp. 90-95. , Berlim,

Software For Evaluating Hearing Capability Of Sows

Vocalization of farm animals is produced on the basis of a reaction to a specific event during management, relation to other animals, and/or exposition to fear or any departure from ideal welfare condition. Sound analysis has provided tools to discriminate analyze and classify specific vocalizations. The overall noise emitted by swine group during their production may reach high frequency damaging their hearing capacity in older age. Reproductive sows may live five to ten times more than other growing/finishing animals. As older animals (sows specifically) they are exposed for longer period to high frequency noise, the main effect is that they often do not hear the vocalization of piglets during nursing period, resulting in high mortality in loose group housing as they roll over piglets when laying down. The objective of this research was to develop a software that manage the sound emission and recording that focus on comprehensive studies of a broad spectrum of specific distress vocalizations. The software was programmed in Delphi 5 using Tsound component. Recording of noise was done in frequency, power and spectrum using sound hardware. Validation of the algorithm was done in a commercial nursing room with sows at various ages. Results led to evidence that older sows may present hearing impair.688692Abrahão, A.A.F., Vianna, W.L., Carvalho, L.F.O., Moretti, A.S., (2005) Preweaningpiglets mortality in a intensive swine production system, , http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci-arttext&pid=S1413, Braz. J. Vet. Res. Anim. Sci, on-line, Acesso em 05/10Barbosa, N. C. Poluição Sonora. Goiânia, FEMAGO, 1998. Insalubres. Brasília, 1978. [on-line]. Available em: http://www.mte.gov.br/temas/segsau/legislacao/normas/conteudo/nr15/default.asp. Acessed in: 20/11/2005Donham, K, Cumro, D. Setting Maximum Dust Exposure Levels for People and Animals in Livestock Facilities. In: Internacional Symposium on dust control in animal production facilities, 1999, Aarhus -Denmark. Proceedings. Aarhus: Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 1999, p 93 - 110(2004) Research on hog behaviour and pig crushing, pp. 20-10. , www.thepigsite.com/FeaturedArticle/Default.asp/Display=1112, Iowa State University, Disponível [on line] no site http:, Acesso emKirkhorn, S., Schenker, M.B., Joseph, I.S. Human health effects of agricultura physical diseases and illnesses. Nasd (National Ag. Safety Database), p. 2- 11. 2001. Available at www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs. Acessed inl2/01/2006Manteuffel, G., Schon, P.C., Measuring pig welfare by automatic monitoring of stress calls (2002) Bornimer Agrartechnishe BericheMertus, J., TAudio, (2006), [email protected], I., Balenoviae, T., Yammine, R., Valpotiae, I., Krsnik, B., Preweaning losses of piglets on a State farm in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1995) Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 24, pp. 23-30Warrier, A. TToneGen. Available at www.alan-warrier.co.uk. Acessed at 21-11-200

Measurements Of The Acoustic Environment In A Pig Nursery [medidas Do Ambiente Acústico Em Creche De Suínos]

Nowadays, it is known that not only thermodynamics elements influence swine productivity, but also the interaction with the aerial environment along with the noise level must be taken into account. This research studied the acoustic environment inside a pig nursery housing using average noise level distribution maps as a function of ambient temperature and relative humidity. The structural environment was divided in 2 m 2 cells. Noise level, air dry bulb temperature and relative humidity were recorded at piglet height in the centre of each cell. The results were mapped and the resulting nursery noise level was found to be 12.49 dB. However, a positive correlation between thermal environment and noise level was not found. From the results, it was possible to estimate the room noise level due to presence of piglets at around 12.49 dB. The resulting noise level found was below the international limit for swine housing and in accordance to national standards for farm workers. The results indicate that the piglets that were recently transferred to that environment vocalized more than the ones already acquainted with the room (10.98 dB), presenting a higher level of noise (12.58 dB).113339344Algers B.Ekesbo I.Stromberg S. The impact of continuous noise on animal health. Acta Veterinary Scandinavia, Uppsala, v.67, p.1-26, 1978. SupplementFraser, D., The vocalization and other behaviour of growing pigs in an "open field" test. Applied Animal Ethology (1974) Frederiksbreg, 1 (1), pp. 13-16Gustafsson, B., The health and safety of workers in a confined animal system (1997) Livestock Production Science, 49, pp. 191-202. , Amsterdan, vHeffner, R.S., Heffner, H.E., Hearing in domestic pigs and goats. Hearing Research (1990) Alberta, 48, pp. 231-240Manteuffel, G., Puppe, B., Schön, P.C., (2004) Vocalization of farm animals as a measure of welfare. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 88 (1-2), pp. 163-182. , London, vManteuffel, G.Schon, P. C. Measuring pig welfare by automatic monitoring of stress calls. Bornimer: Agrartechnische Berichte Editor, 67p. 2002Marchant-Forde, J.N., Bradshaw, H.R., Marchant-Forde, M.R., Broom, D.M., A note on the effect of gestation housing environment on approach test measures in gilts (2003) Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 80 (4), pp. 28-296. , London,vMarx, G., Horn, T., Thielebein, J., Knubel, B., von Borell, E., Analysis of pain-related vocalization in young pigs (2003) Journal of Sound and Vibration, 266 (3), pp. 687-698. , Amsterdam, vMinistério do Trabalho e Emprego. Portaria 3.214 de jul. 1978. Normas regulamentado-ras de segurança e saúde no trabalho (NR-15): Atividades e operações insalubres. Brasília, 1978. http://www.mte.gov.br/temas/segsau/legislacao/normas/nr 15 conteúdo. 14 Nov. 2001(2004) Versão, 12. , http://www.minitab.com/products/minitab/. 10 Fev, Minitab Statistical Software for WindowsRomanini, C. E. B.Nääs, I. A. Determinação da influência do ambiente nos níveis de ruídos em dois tipos de creche de suínos In: Congresso Interno de Iniciação Científica, 11, 2003, Campinas. Anais... Campinas: UNICAMP, Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa, 2003, v.1, p.160-160Talling, J.C., Lines, J.A., Wathes, C.M., Waran, N.K., The acoustic environment of the domestic pig (1998) Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, Silsoe, 71, pp. 1-12Talling, J.C., Waran, N.K., Wathes, C.M., Lines, J.A., Behavioural and physiological responses of pigs to sound. Applied Animal Behaviour Science (1996) Londres, 48, pp. 187-202Weary, D.M., Appleby, M.C., Fraser, D., Responses of piglets to early separation from the sow. Applied Animal Behaviour Science (1999) Londres, 63 (4), pp. 289-30

Environmental Suitability Of Housing For Gestation Sows

As swine production has been developed in Brazil, most research has been carried out in traditional areas of knowledge such as genetics, nutrition and reproduction. To obtain high quality meat is the main goal of producers, and welfare issues are not much understood. Behavior studies are helpful in showing the animal response to certain exposures, such as air quality and adequate overall rearing environment. Welfare issues are gaining importance in Brazilian meat production as their destination is increasingly for supplying external market. The objective of this research was to evaluate the gestating sow rearing conditions, such as thermal and aerial environmental conditions, and noise level in two distinct types of rearing management conditions: in group room and in cages. The experiment took place in a commercial swine farm in the state of São Paulo. The following variables were recorded in the geometric center of the housing at 1.5 m above the floor: dry-bulb, wet-bulb and black globe temperatures; wind speed; noise level, and gas concentration. Data were statistically analyzed using ANO VA. Results showed that the air quality was good when compared to the standard thresholds in both rearing conditions. The chemical quality of the air inside the gestating rearing conditions can be considered good, since the average measures of the studied gases inside both housings didn 't exceed the critical values for gestating sows. Noise level data is within the norm. As to the temperature, for example, it could be observed that the obtained data is higher than what it required by the standard, therefore it may result in reproductive problems for the animals.447452(2006) Associação Brasileira da Indústria Produtora e Exportadora de Carne Súina, pp. 26-11. , http://www.abipecs.org.br/relatórios/ABIPECS-relatorio-2006-pt.pdf, Accessed em, Accessed emBarbosa, N.C., (1998) Poluição Sonora, , Goiânia, FEMAGOChang, C.W., Chung, H., Huang, C.F., Su, H.J.J., Exposure assessment to airbone endotoxin, dust, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in open style swine houses (2001) Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 45 (6), pp. 457-465De La Sota, M.D., (2005) Manual de procedimientos en bienestar animal. Dirección de luchas sanitarias, pp. 30-11. , http://www.senasa.gov.ar/sanidad/pdf/05bienestar.pdf, Buenos Aires. Argentina. Disponivel em, Acesso emJensen, A.O., Changing the environment in swine buildings using sulfuric acid (2002) American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE), 45 (1), pp. 223-227Le Neindre, P., Guémené, D., Arnould, C., Leterrier, C., Faure, J.M., Prunier, A., Meunier-Salän, M.C., Space, environmental design and behaviour: Effect of space and environment on animal welfare (2004) Global Conference on Animal Welfare: An OIE initiative.2004. [on-line], , www.oie.int/eng/Welfare-2004/Conference.htm, Disponível em Acesso em 24/02/2005Lott, B. 2003. El amoníaco puede causar pérdidas importantes. Indústria Avícota, Illinois, U.S., 50(10): 8-10Marchant, J.N., Whittakerb, X., Broom, D.M., Vocalisations of the adult female domestic pig during a standard human approach test and their relationships with behavioural and heart rate measures (2001) Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 72 (2), pp. 23-39Nääs, I.A., Aspectos fisicos da construção no controle térmico do ambiente das instalações (1994) Anais da conferéncia Apinco, Ciência e Tecnologia Avícola, p. 176. , Santos, pPandorii, H., Comportamento bioclimático de matrizes suínas em gestação e o uso de sistemas inteligentes na caracterização do ambiente produtivo: Suinocultura de precisão Piracicaba: Escola Superior de Agriculture Luiz de Queiroz (2005) Universidade de São Paulo, (Tese, Doutorado em Agronomia, Área de Concentração: Física do Ambiente Agrícola), , 136 pPeltoniemi, O.A.T., Love, R.J., Heinomen, M., Tuovinem, V., Saloniemi, H., Seasonal and management effects on fertility of the sow: A descriptive study (1999) Animal Reproduction Science, 55, pp. 47-61Schmidt, D.R., Jacobson, L.D., Janni, K.A., (2002) Continuous monitoring of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and dust emissions from swine, dairy and poultry barns, , ASAE, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. 14pSilva, I.J.O., Sistemas naturais e artificiais do controle do ambiente-climatização (1999) Ambiência Qualidade na Produção Industrial de Suinos, pp. 81-111. , Piracicaba: FEALQ, pVan Putten, G.T., The pig: A model for discussing animal behaviour and welfare (1989) Appl Anim Behav Sci, 22, pp. 115-128Veit, H.P., Troutt, H.F., Monitoring air quality for livestock respiratory health (1982) Veterinary Medicine and Small Animal Clinician, 77, pp. 454-46

Environmental Variables, Ammonia And Light Intensity In Boar Housing

Boar housing requires special design and acclimatization when outside climate is above the thennoneutral values of environmental temperature. The reproductive function of the males is stimulated by light exposure, and the air quality inside the housing is also important for providing adequate rearing conditions. This research had the objective of evaluating the environmental variables affecting boar production. The experiment was conducted in a commercial swine housing located in São Paulo state, latitude 23° 12' S, longitude 47° 17' W, and altitude 521m. Environmental variables (dry bulb and black globe temperature, andrelative humidity) were collected in four places of the housing at 1.5 m above the floor using the thermal stress monitor Questemp® 34. Ammonia concentration was recorded in the same places using a manual pump Dragger®. Windspeedwas recorded using a thermo-anemometer and a luximeter LX-102 Lutron® was used for measuring instant values of light intensity. Data were used in the software Surfer® for mapping the rearing environmental information. Results showed that both temperatures presented a variation of 15°C and 29.1% for the values of relative humidity while ammonia concentration did not vary significantly. Light intensity presented variation inside housing.441443Aarnink, A.J.A., Elzing, A., Dynamic model for ammonia volatilization in housing with partially slatted floors, for fattening pigs (1998) Livestock Production Science, 53, pp. 153-169Bruce, J.M., Ventilation and temperature control criteria for pigs (1981) Environmental aspect of housing for animal production, , Clark, J.A, London: ButterworthsCIGR - Commission Internationale du Génie Rural, Climatization of animal houses. Aberdeen: Scottish Farm Buildings Investigation Unit, 1994 (2nd Report of Working Group)Correa, M.N., Vivan, J.C.;. Xavier, E.G.;Roll, V.E.Corrêa, E.Deschamps, J.. 1999. Manejo Reprodutivo do Macho Suino. www.ufpel.tche.br/ pigpel/publicacoes/l999/1999-12.pdfDirectiva 91/630/CEE. 2001. Conselho Relativo as normas mínimas de proteção de sulnos. Comissão de 9 de Novembro de 2001Hardoim, P.C. Qualidade do ar. In: Anais Simpósio Internacional naAvicultura Industrial. Campinas, SP. 1995. p. 89-98.Society of Agricultural Engineers, Monograph n° 6, 1983Le Neindre, P., Guémené, D., Arnould, C., Leterrier, C., Faure, J.M., Prunier, A., Meunier-Salaiin, M.C., Space, environmental design and behaviour: Effect of space and environment on animal welfare (2004) Global Conference on Animal Welfare: An OIE initiative, , www.oie.int/eng/Welfare-2004/Conference.htmAcessed24/02/2005, Available atLevis, D.G., (1997) Production Management: Managing post-pubertal boars for optimum fertility, pp. 17-23. , Swine Med. p, The Compendium, JanuaryLove, R.J., Definition of a seasonal infertility problem in pigs (1978) The Veterinary Record, 103, pp. 443-446Love, R.J., Seasonal infertility in pigs (1981) The Veterinary Record, 109, pp. 407-409Kristensen, K.H., Wathes, C.M., Amõnia e bem-estar das aves: Uma síntese. (2001) Clipping Merial de Avicultura, 2 (6), pp. 27-32Kunavongkrit, A., Suriyasomboon, A., Lundeheim, N., Heard, T.W., Einarsson, S., Management and sperm production of boars under differing environmental conditions (2005) Theriogenology, 63, pp. 657-667Perdomo, C.C., Lima, G.J.M.M., Nones, K., Produção de suinos e meio ambiente (2001) Seminário Nacional de desenvolvimento da suinocultura, 9., Gramado, 2001. Anais. Gramado, pp. 11-17. , Embrapa, Cnpsa. pRobertson, J.F., Wilson, D., Smith, W.J., Atrophies rhinitis: The influence of the aerial environment (1990) Animal Production, 50, pp. 173-182Ruvalcaba, J.A., Martinnez, P.C., Porque ocorrem problemas reprodutivos no cachaço? (2005) Suinos & Cia, 14, pp. 13-18Silva, E.F., Antunes, R.C., Leal, D., Paula, E., (2004) Treinamento de reprodutores para centrais de inseminação e monta natural, , -www.suino.comAcessed10/12/2007Tast, A., Hällin, O., Andersson, H., Love, R.J., Peltoniemi, O.A.T., Season alterations in circadian mealtonin rhythms of European wild boar and domestic gilt (2001) J. Pineal Res, 30, pp. 43-4