Using Image Analysis and Statistical Modelling to Achieve Improved Pig Weight Predictions

A computer vision system was developed to automatically measure the live weight of pigs without human intervention. The system was trialled in a semi enclosed structure to demonstrate its ability to cope with non-uniform lighting conditions. Early results demonstrate that the system can achieve sufficient practical accuracy. The results of the initial trials demonstrated that weight of the pigs can be predicted with an average error of 1.18kg. Precision, reliability and repeatability are likely to be increased in future through improved weight prediction models, increased image resolution and algorithm enhancement.