Signal Feeding

Signal feeding is a technology which allows the automated operant conditioning of farm animals with individual acoustic signals. The conditioning can be performed within the familiar environment using casual food. This technology can be applied in translational neuroscience, using the conditioning process as repeatable cognitive challenge. It can also be applied to replace the unintended feeding associated conditioning of pigs to aggressive behaviour with conditioned waiting for feeding signals. This can reduce injuries and distress in group housing. It could also alliviate the integration of replacement sows into gestation groups, improving their feed supply.