title: Application of 3-D imaging sensor for tracking minipigs in the open field test.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The minipig is a promising model in neurobiology and psychopharmacology. However, automated tracking of minipig behavior is still unresolved problem.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was carried out on white, agouti and black (or spotted) minipiglets (n=108) bred in the Institute of Cytology and Genetics. New method of automated tracking of minipig behavior is based on Microsoft Kinect 3-D image sensor and the 3-D image reconstruction with EthoStudio software. The algorithms of distance run and time in the center evaluation were adapted for 3-D image data and new algorithm of vertical activity quantification was developed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 3-D imaging system successfully detects white, black, spotted and agouti pigs in the open field test (OFT). No effect of sex or color on horizontal (distance run), vertical activities and time in the center was shown. Agouti pigs explored the arena more intensive than white or black animals, respectively. The OFT behavioral traits were compared with the fear reaction to experimenter. Time in the center of the OFT was positively correlated with fear reaction rank (ρ=0.21, p<0.05). Black pigs were significantly more fearful compared with white or agouti animals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 3-D imaging system has three advantages over existing automated tracking systems: it avoids perspective distortion, distinguishes animals any color from any background and automatically evaluates vertical activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 3-D imaging system can be successfully applied for automated measurement of minipig behavior in neurobiological and psychopharmacological experiments.
authors: Institute of Automation and Electrometry, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.
authors: Victor A
authors: VA
authors: Kulikov
authors: Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.
authors: Nikita V
authors: NV
authors: Khotskin
authors: Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.
authors: Sergey V
authors: SV
authors: Nikitin
authors: Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.
authors: Vasily S
authors: VS
authors: Lankin
authors: Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia. Electronic address: akulikov@ngs.ru.
authors: Alexander V
authors: AV
authors: Kulikov
authors: Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.
authors: Oleg V
authors: OV
authors: Trapezov
mesh_terms: D056044:Actigraphy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D005106:Exploratory Behavior; D005260:Female; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D010858:Pigmentation; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature
keywords: 3-D image sensor; Automated tracking; Fear reaction test; Minipig; Open field test