A Model for Detection of Changes in the Drinking Behaviour of Young Pigs

This contribution describes a method for monitoring the condition of young pigs by measuring their water intake. Water flow-meters and micro computers have been installed in 4 production units for young pigs, located on 3 different farms in Denmark. Water consumption data was aggregated into 1 hour intervals. The pigs showed a very stabile diurnal drinking pattern as long as they were healthy whereas the pattern often changed when the pigs were affected by a disease. A method using a state-space model in conjunction with a Cusum control chart is presented as a tool for on-line monitoring of young pigs, based on their water consumption. By an example it is shown that an outbreak of a disease (diarrhoea) can be detected by the monitoring method approx. one day before physical signs are seen on the pigs.