Real-time health monitor using cough localization

Sound analysis was used for the localization of coughing pigs in a stable in field condition to generate a real-time health monitor by using the differences in arrival time of sound signals between eight different microphones. The estimated position of a reference sound was compared with the real position to test the accuracy of the method. Using this approach it was possible to localize cough attacks of pigs. During a three hour period 179 coughs were recorded, originating from 19 cough attacks. After mapping the locations in the stable, three hazards could be distinguished. This information can be used for health monitoring and can reduce the use of antibiotics by means of selective and early treatment of single pens instead of the whole compartment.