DETECTION OF LAMENESS IN DAIRY COWS USING INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY

Abstract

Lameness in dairy cows is one of the bigest problems in dairy farming. Lameness compling with pain and discomfor of the animals witcht disrupt the welfare. Besides that, requires medical care and additional costs resulting in large economic losses. Early detection of hoof inflammation in animals is important to prevent lameness. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-contact method for recording the temperature on the body surface of animals or other objects. IRT has great potential as an automated diagnostic method for lameness in dairy cows. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, including IRT, so all positive and negative influences should be taken into account before making a final conclusion. Due to the great influence of the environment and the animal current biological status, it is crusual to ensure adequate conditions at the location of the recording and to consider the influence of the animal itself. It is necessary to have additional support from other lameness detection techniques and data sets that will complement the application of IRT, such as visual hoof observation and behavioural observation methods for dairy cows.