Comparative Analysis of Measurement Techniques of Feeding Behavior of Individual Poultry

Algorithms for determining individual bird feeding statistics and stereotyped pecking behavior from time-series recordings of feed weight were developed and compared to video observations. Data taken from two separate experiments involving broiler and laying chickents were used to evaluate the algorithms. The effects of algorithm parameters including thresholds for changes in weight and sequential number of stationary readings, arithmetic moving average for meal tare values, and the sampling frequency of feed recordings were evaluated and presented. Results suggest that a minimum sampling frequency of 0.5 to 1 Hz is recommended for discerning behavioral changes that include timing of feed events and their duration; but lower sampling frequencies can be acceptable for determining hourly (or greater) feed consumption.