Precision Cow Health Management

该项目致力于开发创新的3D成像技术，以增强奶牛身体状况评分(BCS)、活体重量和活动度(Steit)的同时测量，作为一种非常先进的管理决策工具。其目的是提高为动物福利、可持续性和盈利而确定这些关键质量和生产性状的速度。该技术将同时、不引人注意地提供对个体奶牛状况和跛行的增量变化的无压力监测，以告知和改进营养管理、奶牛健康、福利和生产力，从而延长牛群寿命和提高牛奶生产效率。这些特征目前是通过需要高技能水平和培训的目测评估来衡量的，但仍然对个人的主观性开放。我们新颖的成像技术和基于网络的分析软件将使农民和价值链上的其他人，如兽医、营养师和牲畜顾问，能够使用更精确、更一致和更频繁的测量方法，创造更多改善奶牛生产性能和福利的机会。

This project seeks to develop innovative 3D imaging technology to enhance the simultaneous measurement of cow body condition score (BCS), liveweight and mobility (gait) as a highly advanced management decision-making tool. The aim is to improve the pace at which these key quality and production traits are identified for animal welfare, sustainability and profitability. The technology will simultaneously and unobtrusively provide stress-free monitoring of incremental changes in individual cow condition and lameness to inform and improve nutrition management, cow health, welfare and productivity leading to increased herd lifespan and more efficient milk production. These traits are currently measured by visual assessment requiring high skill levels and training, but is nevertheless open to the subjectivity of individuals. Our novel imaging technology and web based analysis software will enable the farmer and others in the value chain such as vets, nutritionists and livestock advisers to make use of much more precise, consistent and frequent measurements, creating greater opportunities to improve cow performance and welfare.