Determining the Weight of Pigs with Image Analysis

A method was developed to determine the weight of pigs. Analysis proceeds from the projected area of pigs viewed from above. Measurements of the white images of the upper sides of the 33 pigs, bred in two crossbreeds of Landrace ¥ Duroc and three crossbreeds of Large White ¥ Landrace ¥ Duroc, weighing from 7 to 120 kg, were made in a booth with a video camera connected to a computer and two incandescent lamps for illumination. Mean central projected area of the pigs was calculated and related to their live weight. An exponential relation with projected area and weight was obtained with ±0.9 kg standard error for animals with summer hair coats. Regressions using other dimensional measurements were also investigated. The method allows for rapid estimation of a pig’s weight.