Evaluate the influence of the layout of growing-finishing units for large groups
Status:
Completed
Associated Documents:
Expertise:
Building and livestock management
Aim / objectives:
Evaluate the influence that the layout of growing-finishing units for large groups has on animal performance and behaviour.
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Evaluate animal performance according to the proposed ‘large group’ layout as well as to conventional pen layouts;
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Evaluate the behavior of the pigs according to the proposed layout (4):
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a) Develop an automated imaging tool for the real-time assessment of the occupancy of different unit areas according to different parameters (environmental conditions, animal weight, season, type of floor, etc.);
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b) Compare the number of times the pigs passed over the scale according to each layout;
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c) Compare the feeding behavior of the pigs according to each layout;
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d) Compare pig learning time according to each layout.
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Carry out an economic and objective assessment (advantages and disadvantages) of raising pigs in large groups vs conventional pen layout.
Collaborators:
Denis Boulanger, Centre en imagerie numérique et médias interactifs (CIMMI); Mario Massicotte, producer; Éric Fortin and Serge Couture, Monitrol.
Funding Partners:
Project Manager:
Sébastien Turcotte
CDPQ Team:
Jean-Gabriel Turgeon, Richard Mailhot and Patrick Gagnon