Detecting good vibrations, with pigs

 

In collaboration with Betagro, researchers from CMKL and Carnegie Mellon University have been conducting research that will help end a tragic, frequent occurrence – piglet crushing.

Through the use of geophone-based (vibration) sensors, the activities of pigs can be monitored more closely. Since piglet crushing primarily occurs when the mother pig is standing, farmers can be more alert to potential accidents. The research is also useful for monitoring the piglet’s eating, sleeping, and movement patterns, enabling farmers to monitor the piglet’s health in a noninvasive way. With one illness capable of killing an entire stock, a more thorough health evaluation would provide farmers with additional security for their animals. Researchers hope to develop a system that will enable farmers to monitor pigs 24/7, alerting them instantly when potential piglet crushing events occur.

 

 

Read more at :  https://engineering.cmu.edu/news-events/news/2019/08/05-pig-sensing.html

 

Michael Beddie