Automated Conception Detection in Sows Using RFID Technology

Abstract

This paper presents an automated conception detection system using UHF RFID technology for monitoring the movement and activity of sows inside a pig pen. The system utilizes temperature, feeding pattern, and hormone level sensors to detect and predict the onset of estrus and pregnancy in sows. UHF RFID technology is used to track the movement of sows inside the pig pen, and the data is collected and analyzed by a microcontroller-based system. The system is designed to be cost-effective and easy to install, making it suitable for small pig farms. The current systems for monitoring the activity of pigs in Denmark and the US are very expensive and not feasible for small pig farms. Therefore, we propose an automated system that uses UHF RFID technology to monitor the movement of sows inside the pig pen. The system consists of a microcontroller-based unit, UHF RFID readers, and sensors for monitoring temperature, feeding patterns, and hormone levels. Temperature sensors are used to monitor the body temperature of sows, which changes during estrus and pregnancy. Feeding pattern sensors are used to monitor the feeding behavior of sows, which can provide valuable information about their reproductive status. Hormone level sensors are used to detect and measure hormone levels in the blood, which can indicate whether a sow is in estrus or pregnant. UHF RFID technology is used to track the movement of sows inside the pig pen. UHF RFID tags are attached to the sows, and UHF RFID readers are installed in various locations inside the pig pen. The readers detect the tags as the sows move around the pen, and the data is collected and analyzed by the microcontroller-based unit. The proposed system offers a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for monitoring the activity of sows in small pig farms. The use of UHF RFID technology allows for accurate and efficient tracking of sow movement, and the integration of temperature, feeding pattern, and hormone level sensors provides valuable information about the reproductive status of the sows. Overall, this system has the potential to improve the reproductive performance of sows and increase the profitability of small pig farms.