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Animal Observation Bout Boundary

Check supplied observation-time membership in a half-open animal behavior bout interval.

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Description

Check a supplied observation time in a half-open bout.

Animal records distinguish measurements, count-time exposure, mass fractions, percentages and nominal feed differences. Offered-minus-refused mass does not verify ingestion, and live-weight loss does not identify its cause. Source labels and scalar rates preserve supplied observations without assessing health or suitable care.

Check a supplied observation time in a half-open bout.

When to use this tool

Use Animal Observation Bout Boundary when you already have observedTime, boutStart, boutEnd and need to check a supplied observation time in a half-open bout.

How to use the tool and how it works

  1. Enter observedTime, boutStart, boutEnd. Use the units and conventions below.
  2. Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
  3. Read withinBout. Inspect withinBout before interpreting the associated values.

Require boutEnd>=boutStart; return start<=observedTime<end.1

Input fieldMeaning and unitsAccepted input
observedTimeObserved TimeRequired. Finite number.
boutStartBout StartRequired. Finite number.
boutEndBout EndRequired. Finite number.
Output fieldInterpretationReturned shape
withinBoutboutStart<=observedTime<boutEnd; a zero-length bout includes no time.Required. Boolean.
json
{
  "input": {
    "observedTime": 12,
    "boutStart": 10,
    "boutEnd": 15
  },
  "output": {
    "withinBout": true
  }
}

Limitations and assumptions

  • The end is excluded and a zero-length bout includes nothing. No behavior, timestamps, independent events or animal welfare is assessed.
  • Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
  • Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.

Alternative or Complementary methods

Review original animal, feed, weighing and observation records with the complete professional assessment. Check sampling scope, calibration and welfare context before interpreting local fractions or count balances as management or clinical conclusions.

References

  1. Calculation and input contract: animal-science/animal-observation-bout-boundary — tool.io

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