The evaluation of an artificial intelligence system for estrus detection in sows

Good estrus detection in sows is essential to predict the best moment of insemination. Nowadays, a technological innovation is available that detects the estrus of the sow via connected sensors and cameras. The collected data are subsequently analyzed by an artificial intelligence (AI) system. This study investigated whether such an AI system could support the farmer in optimizing the moment of insemination and reproductive performance. M&M: Three Belgian sow farms (A, B and C) where the AI system was installed, participated in the study. The reproductive cycles (n = 6717) of 1.5 years before and 1.5 years after implementation of the system were included. Parameters included: (1) farrowing rate (FR), (2) percentage of repeat-breeders (RB), (3) farrowing rate after first insemination (FRFI) and (4) number of total born piglets per litter (NTBP). Also, data collected by the system were analyzed to describe the weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI), estrus duration (ED) and the number of inseminations used per estrus. This dataset included 2261 cycles, collected on farms B and C.

In farm A, all parameters significantly improved namely FR + 4.3%, RB - 3.75%, FRFI + 6.2% and NTBP + 1.06 piglets. In farm B, the NTBP significantly decreased with 0.48 piglets, but in this farm the insemination dose was too low (0.8 × 10⁹ spermatozoa per dose). In farm C, only the NTBP significantly increased with 0.45 piglets after the implementation of the system. The WEI as determined by the system varied between 78 and 90 h, being 10-20 h shorter in comparison with the WEI as determined by the farmer. The ED, determined by the system ranged from 48 to 60 h, and was less variable as compared to the ED as assessed by the farmer. The mean number of inseminations per estrus remained similar over time in farm B whereas it decreased over time from approximately 1.6-1.2 in farm C.

The AI system can help farmers to improve the reproductive performance, assess estrus characteristics and reduce the number of inseminations per estrus. Results may vary between farms as many other variables such as farm management, genetics and insemination dose also influence reproductive performance.