Development of an automatic parturition-dystocia detection system for sows

Abstract

The aims of the current study was to develop an automatic parturition-dystocia detection system based on the established criteria of our previous study for automatic detection of the first birth and dystocia in breeding pigs. In our previous work, we determined that when a first discharged object is detected from a sow that weighs more than 400g, it can be confirmed that she is already undergoing the process of farrowing. A good criterion for an automatic detecting device for determination of whether a sow is undergoing dystocia is an interval of more than 30min. In addition, because no significant differences were found among the different parities studied, we concluded that parity of breeding pigs is not a requirement for establishment of criteria for an automatic detecting device for detection of onset of farrowing and dystocia. The automatic detecting device for detection of onset of farrowing and dystocia consisted of a mat with a piezo wire sensor that measures changes of weight and a communication system that amplifies signals of the mat, detects the first birth and dystocia, and transmits through text message information on time of the first birth and dystocia to the worker's mobile phone in real time. The performance of the automatic detecting device was tested successfully with 50 breeding pigs (Yorkshire x Landrace crossbreds) on a commercial farm. The results showed that the automatic parturition-dystocia detection system successfully detected the time of the first birth and hard labor of the 50 breeding pigs.