Collar monitoring devices are used in animals for the minimally invasive collection of physiological data, using software and algorithms to provide general health trends. There is potential to utilise the raw data collected from these devices to improve animal monitoring strategies and intervention points in animal disease studies. We aimed to develop an algorithm for the early detection of highly pathogenic African swine fever disease in research pigs (Sus scrofa), using data collected via modified PetPaceTM health monitoring collars. Pigs from two other studies (n = 6 per study, total n = 12) were opportunistically available and fitted with collar monitors for the daily collection of pulse rate, respiratory rate and heart rate variability, prior to and after experimental challenge with highly pathogenic African swine fever virus. Collar monitors detected a decreased mean, and increased variability, of pulse rate and heart rate variability in pigs post-challenge, which was not detected by single daily point-in-time measurements. The incidence of abnormal pulse rate, respiratory rate and heart rate variability readings increased in pigs after infection with highly pathogenic African swine fever, with increasing abnormal readings occurring both prior to the onset of, and during, clinical disease. A preliminary non-AI algorithm utilising these data detected disease in 100%, and predicted disease onset in 67%, of infected pigs. This paper describes how health-monitoring collars can be used to improve the early detection of African swine fever disease in pigs. Additionally, it provides a potential framework for developing and using non-AI algorithms in other disease models, to enhance animal monitoring and welfare outcomes in research animals.

The heart rate (HR) of chick embryos before hatching is a relevant physiological parameter for the evaluation of regulation mechanisms of the cardiovascular system under different environmental conditions, e.g. oxygen supply. Movements of the embryo can be interpreted as a behavioural response to such changes. Using the PowerLab hardware and Chart software (AD Instruments), the ECG of a 14 day old chick embryo was recorded almost non-invasively by three electrodes penetrating the otherwise intact egg shell. The Chart program can be used to calculate the HR and its variability from the precisely detectable R-waves of the ECG. Artefacts in the ECG trace are derived from movements of the embryo. Under hypoxic conditions, the program can show that HR and HRV increased, whereas the embryo movements decreased. Using this technology, it can be determined that the embryo compensates for lower oxygen supply with faster blood circulation and saves energy by reducing unnecessary movements.