Feasibility Study on the Use of Infrared Thermography to Classify Fattening Pigs into Feeding Groups According Their Body Composition.

ABSTRACT: Fattening pig husbandry and associated negative environmental impacts due to nitrogen inputs by ammonia emissions are current issues of social discussion. New resource-efficient feeding systems offer great potential to reduce excess nutrient inputs into the environment. Using ultrasound measurements, fattening pigs can be divided into performance groups based on their backfat/muscle ratio to feed them according to their nutritional needs. Ultrasound measurements are not suitable for practical use, so alternatives have to be found. As a non-invasive, contactless method, infrared thermography offers many advantages. This study investigated whether infrared thermography can be used to differentiate between "fat" and "lean" animals. Two evaluation methods with different measurement spot sizes

SUBMITTER: Lengling A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7571044 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature