Location: Livestock Behavior Research
Project Number: 5020-32000-013-062-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: May 1, 2020
End Date: May 14, 2022
Objective:
Develop a website and smartphone applications to be used as a decision tool for improving sow welfare during a heat stress event.
Approach:
Using thermal index equations created by ARS and collaborators and additional behavioral and physiological information, including algorithms and a model, a test environment (website, database, software repository) and prototype iOS and Android smartphone applications will be developed. Recommendations from test users will be incorporated, based on data collected from the smartphone application prototype based on temperature, physiology and facility type. Additional input will be sought on input of criteria and display. The website and smartphone applications will be set up on the Cooperator’s server, using cross-platform software development package or native smartphone application development. Appropriate software modifications will be made based on testing of the applications and the applications will be made available to app stores at least 4 weeks prior to target release date, at no cost to the end users.
