In terms of practical application of this method, problems
should be solved as a number of pitfalls have been identified for
this study. The first problem is related to individual identification
of pigs using a dye marker. The problem arising from faded color
patterns and pigs being dirty will need to be addressed if they
are to be reliably monitored using image analysis techniques under
actual farm conditions. That is, poor results may be caused by dirt
on a pig resulting in poor definition of the body edge and area by
the measurement algorithm. Another problem lays in the application
of paint pattern as such. On the one hand, dirt on the pig or
fading paint patterns can cause a low identification rate. On the
other hand, application of paint patterns are questionable in terms
of convenience for the farmer. These problems need to be considered
in the further development of the image illumination and capturing
techniques, as well as in the software development for
image processing.