European scientists have developed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm capable of interpreting pig sounds, aiming to help farmers improve animal welfare. By decoding the grunts, oinks, and squeals of pigs, the AI tool can identify the animals’ emotions, enabling farmers to address their needs more effectively.
“Emotions of animals are central to their welfare, but we don’t measure it much on farms,” said Elodie Mandel-Briefer, a behavioural biologist at the University of Copenhagen who co-led the study. The algorithm could potentially alert farmers to negative emotions in pigs, thereby enhancing their well-being.
The research team, comprising scientists from universities in Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, France, Norway, and the Czech Republic, analyzed thousands of recorded pig sounds from various scenarios such as play, isolation, and competition for food. They found that different vocalizations reveal positive or negative emotions. Short grunts typically indicate contentment, while long grunts and high-frequency sounds like screams or squeals often signal discomfort or stress.
“Artificial intelligence really helps us to both process the huge amount of sounds that we get, but also to classify them automatically,” Mandel-Briefer explained. The AI algorithm uses these insights to interpret pig communications, providing a window into their emotional states.
The technology demonstrated that pigs kept in outdoor, free-range, or organic farms produced fewer stress calls than those raised conventionally. The researchers believe that this method, once fully developed, could be utilized globally, including in Asia, where agriculture plays a significant role in many economies.
“Once we have the tool working, farmers can have an app on their phone that can translate what their pigs are saying in terms of emotions,” Mandel-Briefer said. This innovation could revolutionize livestock farming by promoting better animal welfare practices and potentially improving productivity.
While many farmers already have a good understanding of their animals’ well-being through observation, existing tools mainly assess physical conditions. Incorporating emotional monitoring could lead to more holistic farming approaches. The technology also opens doors for further research into animal emotions and welfare across different species.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
