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Simple Summary: Constructing a contactless pig mass estimation method through computer vision technology can help us to adjust our pig breeding program to improve production efficiency. Due to the complexity of the actual production environment, there are few reports on pig mass estimation in an unconstrained environment. In this study, we constructed a pig mass estimate model based on deep learning without constraint. The experimental results proved that the pig body mass estimation model constructed in this paper can quickly and accurately obtain the body mass of pigs. The model can evaluate the body quality of sows in real-time in an unconstrained environment, thereby providing data support for grading and adjusting breeding plans, and has broad application prospects. The body mass of pigs is an essential indicator of their growth and health. Lately, contactless pig body mass estimation methods based on computer vision technology have gained attention thanks to their potential to improve animal welfare and ensure breeders' safety. Nonetheless, current methods require pigs to be restrained in a confinement pen, and no study has been conducted in an unconstrained environment. In this study, we develop a pig mass estimation model based on deep learning, capable of estimating body mass without constraints. Our model comprises a Mask R-CNN-based pig instance segmentation algorithm, a Keypoint R-CNN-based pig keypoint detection algorithm and an improved ResNet-based pig mass estimation algorithm that includes multi-branch convolution, depthwise convolution, and an inverted bottleneck to improve accuracy. We constructed a dataset for this study using images and body mass data from 117 pigs. Our model achieved an RMSE of 3.52 kg on the test set, which is lower than that of the pig body mass estimation algorithm with ResNet and ConvNeXt as the backbone network, and the average estimation speed was 0.339 s·frame−1 Our model can evaluate the body quality of pigs in real-time to provide data support for grading and adjusting breeding plans, and has broad application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Many domestic dogs are uncomfortable when humans perform everyday actions because the animals perceive them as threatening. One way to treat this is to expose a dog to the problematic stimulus with increasing intensity while the dog remains relaxed, resulting in desensitization. However, when it is the owner's actions that the dog feels threatened by, it is difficult to apply such treatment. We present a programme for dogs with impaired social functioning towards the owner, consisting of (1) increasing owner knowledge and awareness regarding dog body language and perception of owner actions, (2) management of everyday life with the dog through general stress reduction and avoidance of stressful situations, and (3) behaviour modification through training. We also describe five cases to examine the results that can be obtained using this programme and propose future research. Many domestic dogs are uncomfortable when humans perform trivial and benign actions that the animals perceive as threatening. A common technique for addressing canine emotional discomfort involves desensitization, where the intensity of a problematic stimulus is gradually increased while the dog remains relaxed. Desensitization requires a skillful owner and is complicated when actions of the owner are the stimuli to be desensitised. This paper introduces a behaviour modification programme for dogs with impaired social functioning in relation to the (inter)actions by their owners, consisting of (1) increasing owner knowledge and awareness regarding dog body language and perception of owner actions, (2) management of the daily life of the dog through general stress reduction and avoidance of stressful situations, and (3) behaviour modification through training. The latter component entails a non-threatening, predictable exercise in which the dog has control over any perceived threats, the introduction of the safety cue with subsequent desensitization, and engaging activities with the owner that the dog finds enjoyable. We also present a case series report to examine a selection of dogs with impaired social functioning, from signalment to outcome, when treated with the proposed behaviour modification and examine which adaptations were made to the plan according to individual dogs. Finally, we avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]