Computer-Aided Remote Expert (CARE) system model foe enhancing productivity and efficiency in swine farms

Pork industry is second to rice in terms of country's contribution to agricultural economy. This project is a pioneering work in the application of computer science and information and communication technologies in commercial livestock farms. Productivity will be realized through the automation of various management procedures through the CARE System Model which aims to, (1) minimize human entry and exit to the farm; (2) assist in early identification of breeders experiencing stress; (3) allow early detection of sows in estrus; (4) estimate body weight; and (5) develop software for computer-based sperm evaluation with added metric. The research team decided to use IP Camera due to the limitations of the software embedded in the CCTV which prohibits reprogramming. Jhon and Jhon Farms Inc. was selected after expressing interest with the project and satisfying the requirements of internet availability and convenience of location (preferably within CALABARZON [Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Philippines]). IP cameras were purchased following the protocol of the university procurement system and installed with the help of the chosen supplier. Major adjustments were applied to the system due to the slow internet speed available t the partner farm, hence real-time video monitoring was not possible. Activities were conducted under Animal Science and Computer Science. Studies under animal science 1) established behavioral responses to heat stress and oestrus; 2) assessed growth and reproductive performances of sows/gilts exposed to high temperature; and 3) identified the effects of evaporative cooling system on reproductive and growth performances of sows and gilts. Meanwhile, activities under Computer Science mainly involved the design and development of different software in monitoring, weight estimate and sperm evaluation. The Evaporative Cooling System (ECS) that are now available in the market are all imported and expensive for the commercial swine and broiler producers. Several activities and indicators that are associated to heat stress are respiration rate, pulse rate, body temperature, standing, lying, drinking and feeding (meal intake + meal break). The most immediate response that is associated to extracellular heat shock protein is considered the precise behavior indicator of heat stress (19 deg C - 31 deg C). Using the study conducted to identify heat stress indicator, video-based automatic heat stress detection was done. For oestrus detection, the reliable cases are a combination of the following (1) swelling of the vulva, (2) vulva mucus discharge, (3) frequent urination and (4) mounting or allowing oneself to be mounted. The present method of estimating body weight of pigs and other farm animals either through eyeball or body measurements (heart girth, body length and flank girth). BOWES was designed to estimate body weight using image analysis. Swine breeder farms conduct sperm evaluation using (1) manual and (2) colorimetric with or without the aid of spectrophotometer.