AI Oinks

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being employed in increasingly widening applications these days—often when an enormous amount of data needs to be sifted and analyzed. AI uses machine learning algorithms to program computers, which then teach themselves how to make sense of all the reams of information.

Now comes yet another (barnyard) use of AI, from researchers at the University of  Copenhagen, in Denmark, who have been studying how to decipher the various sounds emitted by pigs. The researchers do this in order to understand the animals’ feelings and emotions. 

We humans take pride in knowing that our language is more complex than any other creature, yet we do not have the last word in communications. Other critters may not possess the ability to emit the intricate sounds we do, but they do very well in communicating, as they often supplement sounds with visual clues, smells, and even taste. For example, trees possess a multi-faceted and sophisticated means of transferring information to each other through chemicals emitted and received through leaves and roots.

Our porcine friends also use various senses other than hearing (such as sight and smell) for sending their messages, but the Danish study focused just on their sounds—oinks, sniffles, grunts, and squeals. Pigs' behaviors were observed, as sound recordings were made. The goal was to relate their emotions to their grunts. The pigs were observed both on the farm and in the laboratory. They were placed in positive circumstances to promote positive emotions—such as suckling mom, playing with their mates, being reunited with family, etc. Negative situations to induce negative emotions included fights, castration, and waiting in the abattoir. (That last one sure is negative!)

From thousands of recordings and observations of hundreds of pigs in various circumstances, the AI analysis went to work, to discern what consistent vocal messages they were relaying. In general, when pigs are in positive situations, they emit short grunts, with very little difference in amplitude. When they are stressed, they tend to call out with high-pitched squeals. (Did it take all the computing power of AI to learn that?)

The hope of the Danish researchers is to help people who work with pigs to better understand their complex oinks and grunts, both to monitor their well being and to encourage better treatment on farms. A healthier pig is a happier pig... and tastes better. When these AI studies eventually get expanded to other domestic animals, it could lead to their improved psychological well being, as well. If farmers learn to treat their animals better, maybe fewer of them would be killed for food. Wouldn't it be hard to slaughter a happy pig who was joyously oinking about the barnyard?