Automated Data Sharing for Statistical Control in Swine Production

This project will identify data that can be automatically collected, analyzed and shared as information for tactical (moment-to-moment) swine management. This project has three objectives. 1) The essential data, data management methods, and key information will be identified for tactical management of pork production and maintenance of individual animal well being, using statistical process control (SPC) methods. Regression models will be tested to predict future trends from very recent historical data. 2) Identify methods and presentation formats to deliver information. Presentation methods for SPC outputs, such as control charts, will be identified, defined, and tested for value in presenting tactical information to the user. Tactically useful data, easily generated by new automated pork production systems, will be accumulated in a manageable and accessible form, processed into useable SPC information, and presented in meaningful ways to users. Heuristic on-line charts, graphs, and decision- support systems will be evaluated for ability to deliver useful and timely information from a data stream to support decisions that adjust management tactics. 3) Identify prototypical applications for demonstration and testing of data management and SPC information production in a practical setting. Automatically collected data will be used for prototype application tests of commercial feasibility and implementation.