Building a metadata framework for sharing feed information in Spain.
Information about the nutritional aspects and uses of feed is of widespread interest, hence systematic efforts of laboratories to obtain it. The way this information is currently being handled leaves something to be desired, underscoring the need to use computerized systems and statistical techniques that allow the management of large volumes of heterogeneous information. This project seeks to develop a structure that will facilitate the exchange and exploitation of information on feeds produced in Spain. To this end, metadata and data mining techniques have been adopted by the Feed Information Service at the University of Cordoba. The structure has been designed to work on the basis of a server-client architecture, in which information is stored on local software (Califa) by its own creators so that it can subsequently be incorporated into a database server where it can be accessed online. Various aspects of the structure are described in this paper: organization (participants and data shared), format (physical features), logistics (data description), quality (reliability of information), legality (correct use of data), and financing (revenue and expenditure). An indication is given of the amount of information accumulated to date, now exceeding 200,000 numerical data and associated metadata, arranged in several thematic databases. The activities carried out highlight the heterogeneous nature of the information produced, as well as the large number of errors and ambiguities that slip through the normal filters and reach the end-user of the data.
Feed Information Service (SIA), Central Service for Research Support (SCAI), Cordoba, Spain. g02mamof@uco.es
F
F
Maroto-Molina
A
A
Gómez-Cabrera
J E
JE
Guerrero-Ginel
A
A
Garrido-Varo
D C
DC
Pérez-Marín
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003628:Database Management Systems; D016206:Databases, Bibliographic; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D009862:Online Systems; D012984:Software; D013030:Spain