On pig farms, the highest mortality rate is observed among nursing piglets. To reduce this mortality rate, farmers need to carefully observe the piglets to prevent accidents such as being crushed and to maintain a proper body temperature. However, observing a large number of pigs individually can be challenging for farmers. Therefore, our aim was to detect the behavior of piglets and sows in real-time using deep learning models, such as YOLOv4-CSP and YOLOv7-E6E, that allow for real-time object detection. YOLOv4-CSP reduces computational cost by partitioning feature maps and utilizing Cross-stage Hierarchy to remove redundant gradient calculation. YOLOv7-E6E analyzes and controls gradient paths such that the weights of each layer learn diverse features. We detected standing, sitting, and lying behaviors in sows and lactating and starving behaviors in piglets, which indicate nursing behavior and movement to colder areas away from the group. We optimized the model parameters for the best object detection and improved reliability by acquiring data through experts. We conducted object detection for the five different behaviors. The YOLOv4-CSP model achieved an accuracy of 0.63 and mAP of 0.662, whereas the YOLOv7-E6E model showed an accuracy of 0.65 and mAP of 0.637. Therefore, based on mAP, which includes both class and localization performance, YOLOv4-CSP showed the superior performance. Such research is anticipated to be effectively utilized for the behavioral analysis of fattening pigs and in preventing piglet crushing in the future.

소비자에게 판매하기 위해 비육을 하여 길러지는 돼지가 아닌 새끼를 낳기 위해 장기간 사육되는 돼지를 모돈이라 한다. 모돈은 규격돈보다 육색이 붉은 것이 특징이며 단단한 조직감으로 인해 잘 소비되지 않는다. 본 연구는 모돈을 가공 원료육으로 활용하기 위해 품질 및 가공특성을 평가하였다. 먼저, 냉동-해동된 모돈과 규격돈의 뒷다리를 이용하여 품질특성을 비교하였으며 가공특성은 유화형소시지를 제조하여 수행하였다. 원료육의 품질특성은 일반성분, pH, 육색, 콜라겐 함량, 조직감, 보수력을 측정하였고 가공특성은 유화형소시지를 제조하여 조직감 및 유화 안정성을 측정하였다. 모돈의 육색은 규격돈보다 붉고(p<0.05), 조직감은 단단하였다(p<0.05). 그러나 pH, 보수력, 콜라겐 함량, 유화 안정성, 소시지의 조직감은 유의적인 차이가 없었다. 결론적으로 모돈의 단단한 조직감은 분쇄를 통해 해결하였으며 대부분의 품질 및 가공특성은 모돈과 규격돈에서 동일하였다. 따라서 모돈을 가공 원료육으로 활용하면 규격돈과 가공특성의 차이가 없음을 확인하였으며, 규격돈에 비해 높은 수율은 제품 원가를 절감할 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

Because sows are industrially vital for swine production, monitoring for their health or disorder status is important to ensure high reproductive performance. Especially, ambient temperature changes in different season, especially during summer, are directly influenced to the reproductive performance of sows. Although the serum biochemical parameters are widely applied in the veterinary medicine with wide ranges for the physiological process, the values are also influenced by several factors such as age, breed, gender, and stress. In addition, domestic sows in Koreaspecific reference interval (RI) for serum biochemistry has not been established yet. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate seasonal variation of RIs in the serum biochemistry in domestic sows in Korea at different seasons and to establish normal RIs using a RI finding program (Reference Value Advisor). Significant difference (p < 0.05) on the different seasons were identified in several serum biochemical parameters including BUN, CRE, GGT, GLU, ALB, TP, LDH and Na in sows. Therefore, we further established RIs, specific in domestic sows in Korea regardless of season. The established RIs based on the serum biochemical values provide a baseline for interpreting biochemical results in the domestic sows in Korea, regardless of seasonal effect. It may contribute to develop a strategy for better reproductive performance by improving breeding management practice and evaluating health of pig herds, which facilitate to avert the economic loss in summer infertility in sows.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of environmental temperature and backfat thickness (BT) on the reproductive performance of lactating sows. Sixty crossbred sows were allotted to four groups in a 2×2 factorial arrangement by environmental temperature (high temperature [HT], 27.5±1.76℃; low temperature [LT], 23.3±0.89℃) and BT (<20 mm, average 17.70 mm; ≥20 mm, average 23.20 mm) from July to August 2019. Sows in the HT group experienced a greater change in BT and a lower feed intake. Losses in body weight and BT were lower in sows with <20 mm BT than in those with ≥20 mm BT. Sows with low BT had a lower weaning-to-estrus interval than sows with high BT (5.20, 4.93 d vs. 5.87, 5.60 d, respectively). Piglet survivability was lower in the HT group (90.31%) than in the LT group (94.87%). Piglet weaning weight and average daily weight gain were greater in sows with <20 mm BT (5.75 kg and 201.46 g, respectively) than in those with ≥20 mm BT (5.49 kg and 188.41 g, respectively). Sows in the HT group had higher cortisol concentrations than those in the LT group (post-farrowing: HT 7.86 μg/mL vs. LT 6.04 μg/mL; weanling: HT 5.48 μg/mL vs. LT 4.40 μg/mL). In conclusion, environmental temperature adversely influenced sow performance and cortisol levels. Moreover, sows with low BT had a greater weaning-to-estrus interval when subjected to heat stress.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of parity and lactation stage of sows on the behavior of nursing sows and their suckling piglets. In total 18 Yorkshire × Landrace F1 sows (range of parity: 1 to 6) and their litters (range of litter size: 10 to 14 piglets) were assigned according to the sow's parity (1-2, 3-4 and 5-6) and lactation stage (early, middle, and late). The sows were housed in farrowing crates (0.8 × 2.1 m) located in pens (2.1 × 1.75 m) with totally perforated flooring. The behaviors of the sows and their piglets were recorded over a 72-h period for each parity and lactation stage. The sows and piglets were conventionally managed. All nursing sows in both group showed lying behavior for more than 80% of the experimental period, regardless of parity and lactation stage. The behavioral frequency of sows was, in descending order, as follows: lateral lying, ventral lying, eating, standing, and sitting. The parity of sows did not affect their behavior, but the lactation stage did. Ventral lying showed decreased frequency in late stage compare to that in the early or middle stage. The lying, standing, sitting, and eating behavior of sows were not affected by their parity. Sow parity did not affect the behavior of suckling piglets, but the lactation stage did. The behavioral frequency of piglets for the whole lactation period was, in descending order, as follows: lying, suckling, and walking. The lying frequency of piglets was higher in the sow's middle lactation stage than in the early or late lactation stage. It is concluded that the sow parity did not affect the behavior of nursing sows and suckling piglets, but the lactation stage did.

This study was conducted to investigate effect of feeding beet pulp on reproductive performance, colostrum composition and microbiological characteristics in sows. A total of 12 sows(Landrace×Yorkshire) were randomly allotted three dietary treatments at gestating 90 days. The diets were prepared by adding 0, 5 and 10% of the beet pulp in basal diets. The pigs fed 5% beet pulp showed higher litter size than the 0 and 10% beet pulp treatments, although there was not significant among the treatments. Similarly, birth and 21days weight in piglet were not different among the treatments. In colostrum fat, protein, lactose, citric acid, solid, ffa, true protein were ranged to reference values, but not difference among the treatments. E.coli of feces was lower(P<0.01) in the 5% beet pulp than the 0 and 10% beet pulp treatments. But no effect was observed on Lactobacilli of feces among dietary treatments. These our results indicate the beet pulp has no significant effect of reproductive performance and colostrum composition in sows. But, 5% level beet pulp is effective for reduction of intestinal pathogenic microorganisms.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of freeze dried placenta supplementation on reproductive performance, colostrum and plasma biochemical composition in pregnant sows. Eleven Landrace × Large white sows were fed with corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with or without 1% freeze dried placenta powder from 10 days before their expected farrowing dates until 10 days postpartum. The colostrum protein content was significantly higher(P=0.043) in the treatment group than in the control group. Compared to the control group, the immunoglobulin G(IgG) concentration in the colostrum was significantly higher(P=0.004) in the treatment. In day 25 piglets plasma, the IgG concentration was higher(P=0.184) in the treatment than the control. The mortality rate was lower(P=0.102), and the piglet weight gain was higher(P=0.35) in the treated group. Overall, the treatment group showed greater levels of protein and IgG concentration in the colostrum, when compared to control group. Therefore, the freeze dried placenta supplementation on pregnant sows can enhance its colostrum composition, hence decrease the mortality and increase the growth rate of piglets.

본 연구는 인공수정 횟수가 모돈의 번식성적에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위하여 수행되었다. 총 48두 의 F1 모돈(Yorkshire×Landrace)을 공시하였으며, 완전임의화배치법(CRD)에 의하여 4개의 처리구에 배치되었다. 처리구는 인공수정 횟수(1회, 2회, 3회, 4회)이며, 발정확인 후 12시간 뒤부터 인공수정을 진행하였다. 모돈의 발정확인은 9시와 21시에 웅돈을 접촉시켜서 확인하였으며, 재귀발정일은 5-6일 인 모돈들을 대상으로 구배치 하였다. 모돈의 승가허용 확인 후 12시간 간격에 따라 9시와 21시에 처 리구에 따른 인공수정을 실시하였다. 인공수정 횟수가 모돈의 임신율, 수태율에는 유의적인 영향을 미 치지 않으며, 분만율에서는 3회 인공수정한 처리구가 다른 처리구들에 비해 낮은 수치를 보였다. 총산 자수, 생시자돈수, 복당체중과 같은 분만성적에서도 인공수정 횟수에 따른 통계적 차이는 나타나지 않 았다. 인공수정 횟수의 1회 감소는 7,000원의 정액비용을 절감할 수 있다. 따라서 발정확인 후 인공수 정을 1회하여도 다른 처리구들과 비교해 동일한 번식성적을 가지며, 1회 인공수정을 통한 정액비용의 감소는 농가의 생산비를 절감할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

Precise determination of insemination time is an important factor. However, the detection is intensive labor observing behaviors of sows. Previous researchers have tried to find indicators for easy detection of optimum time of insemination. The one of the indicators is change of temperature for estrous cycle. Therefore, this study was conducted to determined alteration of vulvar and rectal temperature in Duroc sows during estrus period for detection of optimum time of insemination. Experimental animals were twelve Duroc sows 2 parity for winter season. The sows were feeding 5 ml regumate (estrus synchronization agent) during 15 days, and then measured temperature of vulva and rectum when half day by thermal camera and thermometer. Also, conventional method was utilized as control. By the conventional method, estrus was identified at four days after ending supply of regumate. At the same time, temperature of the vulva and rectum was higher than other days. Average temperature in valva and rectum was 38.8 ℃ in estrous sows, wherease non-estrous sows were 38.7℃. This difference of temperature suggested feasibility as indicator inseminating optimum time. Henceforward, ummanned estrous detection system can be useful by economic improvement via reduction of labor in swine farm.

It is imperious to know the reproductive parameters of the subsisting swine breed for profitable farming in Bangladesh. This study was designed to compare the reproductive parameters of sows at hilly areas between the local and crossbred at farm and backyard level. A total of 116 breedable sows were included. The data on age at puberty, litter size, birth weight, weaning weight, gestation length, interval between farrowing and number of piglets born per sow in local and crossbred sows were determined and direct questionnaire method was used for data collection. The present study revealed that age at puberty between farm and backyard system of crossbred sows was 8.88±0.153 and 9.85±0.221 months, respectively. The farrowing interval was shorter in crossbred sows which were kept in farming system rather than backyard system. The interval between farrowing and onset of estrus was shorter in crossbred sows. The gestation length was almost similar between backyard and farm condition. The number of litter size per sow per farrowing was 8.45±0.41 in crossbred and 7.17±0.250 in local pigs at backyard system. The birth weight and weaning weight were more in farm conditions than backyard system. The age at puberty in local breed was lower than the crossbred and litter size was 8.45±0.407 in crossbred which was higher than local breed 7.17±0.250 in backyard system. These results suggest that reproductive parameters of local sow need to be improved for better production and crossbred sows should be reared for obtaining desired productivity.

본 실험은 포유기 사료 급여 기간의 변화가 포유 모돈의 생리적 변화와 번식 능력에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위해 수행되었다. 평균체중 256.15 ± 4.39kg의 F1 모돈(Yorkshire × Landrace) 30두를 공 시하였으며, 완전임의배치법에 따라 3처리구에 배치하였다. 각 처리구는 1) L0-5: 임신기 110일령부터 이유시까지 포유모돈 사료를 급여, 2) L0: 분만일부터 이유시까지 포유모돈 사료를 급여, 3) L0+5: 분 만 5일 후부터 이유시까지 포유모돈 사료를 급여 하였다. 포유기에는 모돈들에게 사료를 무제한 급여 하였으며, 실험결과 사료의 변화 시기는 모돈의 체중 및 등지방 두께에 유의적인 영향을 미치지 못하였 다. 사료섭취량에 있어서 분만일부터 이유시까지 포유돈 사료를 섭취한 모돈이 수치적으로 가장 높았지 만 처리구간 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 산자수, 자돈의 체중 및 유성분에 있어서도 처리구간 차이는 발견되지 않았다. 결론적으로 분만 5일전부터 5일후 사이에 포유돈 사료로 교체하는 것은 모돈 의 번식능력 및 포유능력에는 긍정적인 영향을 미치지 않는 것으로 판단된다.

The present study investigated the effects of fermented potato protein (FPP, Lianol® ferity) during gestation and lactation on productivity of sows. A total of 50 crossbred sows (Landrace×Yorkshire) in their 3 to 5 parities were allotted to one of two treatments (n=25) including control and FPP groups. FPP tablets applied in sows in two stages. Stage one involved applying FPP daily from 3 days before farrowing to 2 days after for 5 consecutive days. The second stage also involved a 5 day period around weaning time from 3 days before to 2 days after. After farrowing, the amount of feed offered 3 times per day gradually increased from about 3.6 kg at farrowing to 8.4 kg at late lactation. During the first lactation FPP tended to increase backfat thickness (BFT) at weaning at the first (p=0.069) whereas FPP increased BFT (p<0.05) at weaning in the second lactation. There was no significant effect of FPP on body weight changes and daily feed intake of sows. Decreased weaning to estrus interval was associated with applying lianol tablet at the second lactation (p<0.05). Weight of born alive piglets, weaned piglets and total weight gain were greater in FPP group at the second lactation (p<0.05). Applying FPP tended (p=0.062) to increase insulin like growth factor-Ⅰ(IGF-I) at the weaning time in the first lactation. The effect of FPP on IGF-I was significant at the second lactation, revealing a higher concentration in blood at post farrowing and weaning time (p<0.05). This study shows the benefit of using FPP tablets in sows to increase blood IGF-I and both initial and final litter size to improve piglet weaning weights.

본 연구는 종부한 다음에 개별 스톨에서 사육하고 3주 후 임신진단을 하여 임신을 한 경산돈을 개별 스톨 시설과 Shoulder length barrier 시설에서 각각 계절별 30두씩 12주 동안 사육한 후 분만 1주일 전에 분만사의 분만틀 시설로 옮겨 4주 동안 사육하고 산자수, 생시체중, 이유두수, 이유체중 및 체평점 등을 평가함으로써, 임신돈사의 개별 스톨 시설과 Shoulder length barrier 시설이 분만모돈의 분만성적에 미치는 영향을 규명하고자 수행되었다. 그 결과 동일 계절에서 시설 간의 분만모돈의 생산성은 차이가 없었으나(p>0.05), 봄, 가을 및 겨울에 비하여 여름에 더위 스트레스로 인하여 산자수와 이 유두수가 낮은 경향이 나타났다. 결론적으로 임신기간 동안 임신돈을 사육하는 개별 스톨 시설과 Shoulder length barrier 시설이 분만모돈의 분만성적에 영향을 미치지 않는 것으로 나타났다.

한국 재래돼지(KK) 69두 및 재래돼지 모돈과 듀록종 웅돈의 교배를 통하여 생산된 교잡종(KD) 88두 로부터 조사된 체중측정 기록에 대해 세 가지 비선형 성장곡선을 적용하여 KK(Korean Native Sow × Korean Native Boar) 및 KD(Korean Native Sow × Duroc Boar)의 성장모형을 추정하고, 추정된 성 장모형의 모수를 이용하여 KK와 KD에 대한 성장특성에 대한 기초자료를 제공하고자 실시하였다. 각각의 성장곡선 함수로 추정한 성장곡선은 다음과 같다. von Bertalanffy 모형의 경우 KK의 암컷, 수컷, KD의 암컷 및 수컷의 모형은 각각 , 및 로 추정되었다. Gompertz 모형의 경우 KK의 암컷, 수컷, KD의 암컷 및 수컷의 모형은 각각 ,, 로 추정되었다. Logistic 모형의 경우 KK의 암컷, 수컷, KD의 암컷 및 수컷의 모형은 각각 , , 및로 추정되었다. von Bertalanffy 모형의 경우 최대성장시기를 나타내는 변곡점()은 KK 암컷집단과 수컷집단에서 각각 4.40±0.12개월령 및 4.86±0.22개월령으로 추정되었고, KD 암컷 및 수컷집단에서는 각각 3.81±0.09개월령 및 4.00±0.08개월령으로 추정되었다. Gompertz 모형의 경우 는 KK암수 및 KD암수에 대해 각각 4.32±0.11개월령, 4.90±0.12개월령, 4.03±0.69개월령 및 4.11±0.06개월령으로 나타났다. Logistic 모형의 경우 는 KK암수 및 KD 암수에 대해 각각 4.18±0.07개월령, 4.41±0.05개 월령, 4.00±0.06개월령 및 4.03±0.04개월령으로 나타났다. 오차 평균 제곱합의 결과를 보면, KK의 성장은 Logistic, Gompertz 그리고 von Bertalanffy 모형 순으로 적합도가 좋은 것으로 판단되며, KD는 Gompertz, Logistic 그리고 von Bertalanffy 모형 순으로 적합도가 좋은 것으로 판단된다.

This study was conducted to investigate the changes of hormone levels of serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17 β (E2) in sows of Landrace (L), Yorkshire (Y) and F1 (L × Y) (respectively n=3) with excellent ability, and to provide a baseline data for improving reproductive performance. In this experiment, the sows at the age of 12 months or more were used. The sows were fed by two way methods, one is conventional methods and the other is 3 days-flushing feed before estrus. Each pig’s blood was collected in 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 days after the estrus for the analyses of P4 and E2. Serum was separated by centrifugation for 15 min. with 3,000 rpm. Progesterone and estradiol-17β were measured by immunochemical assay (ELIZA test). In conventional feeding, serum progesterone levels were significantly (p<0.01) higher in F1 than in L and Y. No significant differences in P4 concentrations were seen between the L and Y of sows. Serum E2 levels were similar the serum progesterone levels. In the case of flushing feed, the tendency of hormonal changes were similar to conventional methods. But almost of hormonal levels were a little higher than that of conventional methods. P4 level of L and Y in flushing feed were significantly different (p<0.01). Serum E2 level of Y in flushing feed was significantly different among the breeds (p<0.01). These results were similar to the tendency of hormonal changes in general sows and moreover, flushing feed is known to develop the swine production, these results proved the fact of the methods. And these results suggested that more studies about hormonal changes in sows according to seasonal and nutritional factors should be needed.