EVONTA-Technology GmbH

In commercial fish farming, such as the breeding of Atlantic salmon, fish roe is artificially fertilized in special containers. After 24-48 hours, a representative number of eggs is randomly selected, removed and treated with diluted acetic acid to assess the resulting fertilization rate per incubator. Through this treatment the eggs lose their natural opacity, become transparent and can be examined under a light microscope. Until now this inspection has been done manually and is heavily dependent on the individual experience and knowledge of the operator. Additionally, structural changes, caused by treatment with acetic acid, can lead to interpretation errors in the microscopic evaluation.

A fully automated device for the non-contact examination of fish eggs by means of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) allows capturing tomographic image data similar to Computer Tomography within a matter of seconds. The scanned fish eggs remain viable and can be examined in their natural state. To this end, the eggs are transferred into a water filled sample container, which is designed to let the eggs slide into fixed positions for measuring. The OCT probe above the sample container is positioned fully automatically above the egg to be tested. The camera integrated in the probe detects blastodiscs in the fish eggs and provides the coordinates for the subsequent OCT measurement. The data obtained are then evaluated and logged online. With the help of the determined fertilization rate, it is then possible to calculate the expected number of hatching eggs per incubator. The evaluation of the developmental state of the fish embryo at a later point in time is also possible.

The aim of pig husbandry, which has become highly specialized, is to develop practical and economically viable husbandry concepts for large numbers of animals and paying attention to animal welfare at the same time. In addition to the occurrence of injuries, for example in the course of antagonistic behavior between animals, the so-called Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome (SINS) is increasingly coming into focus. The pathological changes that can be observed on the animal, occur already in newborn piglets in various parts of the body. The etiology of SINS is still largely unclear. In addition to a genetic disposition, metabolic and feed-related causes are suspected.

A mobile measuring device for semi-automated imaging in the barn and for documenting SINS problems in suckling piglets. Based on the so-called infrared thermography, image data of the affected body areas are recorded and assigned with a corresponding score. The digital photo taken in parallel, shows the identical image area and can be overlaid with the IR image. In addition to the visualization and evaluation of the temperature distribution, this also enables the exact geometric classification of the inflammatory changes and necroses typical for SINS.  In addition, the recorded data sets are used to create a classification algorithm that allows automatic determination of SINS severity level of the individual animal. This makes the device not only useful for veterinarians, but also as a diagnostic tool for animal owners in the farm practice.