Move over, Dr. Dolittle! European scientists are working on a way to talk to pigs. 🐷 They've developed a groundbreaking AI algorithm that deciphers pig sounds, helping farmers understand their barnyard buddies better than ever.
The research, led by behavioral biologist Elodie Mandel-Briefer from the University of Copenhagen, aims to improve animal welfare by understanding what pigs feel. Imagine an app that tells farmers when their pigs are stressed or content, all by analyzing their sounds! 📱
The international team recorded thousands of pig sounds in various situations—like playing, fighting over food, or being separated from their friends—to figure out what each grunt, oink, and squeal means. They discovered that short grunts usually mean pigs are feeling good, while longer grunts or high-pitched squeals can signal discomfort or stress.
Turns out, pigs on free-range and organic farms, where they can roam and dig in the dirt, make fewer stress calls than pigs in conventional farms. This AI technology could even help label farms in the future, so consumers know how happy the animals were. 🏷️🐖
Mandel-Briefer says, \"Emotions of animals are central to their welfare, but we don't measure it much on farms.\" With this new tool, that could all change. Farmers might soon have a 'pig translator' in their pockets, making it easier to ensure their animals are living their best lives!
Artificial intelligence isn't just for robots and tech giants—it's making its way to the barnyard! By processing and classifying the huge amount of pig sounds, AI helps farmers get a clearer picture of their pigs' emotional states.
So next time you see a pig, remember they might have a lot to say! And thanks to AI, we might finally understand them. 🐽💬
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
