Optimising lameness detection in dairy cattle by using handheld infrared thermometers

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Lameness presents significant economic and welfare challenges in the dairy industry.
• Early lameness detection is difficult but crucial for timely treatment.
• Infrared thermography has shown potential for lameness detection via elevated foot temperatures (FT), but accuracy limitations hinder management application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze ambient-temperature (AT)-adjusted foot-surface temperatures and inter-foot temperature differences for improved lameness detection in dairy cows.
• To assess the accuracy of infrared thermography in detecting lameness based on foot temperature measurements.
• To evaluate the potential of FT measurements as a management tool for identifying cows requiring treatment.

Main Methods:

• Foot temperatures (FT) of 990 cows were recorded bi-fortnightly for six months using an infrared thermometer.
• Cow mobility was scored using the AHDB Dairy 4-point scale.
• Ambient temperatures (AT) were recorded, and AT-adjusted FTs and hind foot FT differences were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Cows with lameness exhibited significantly higher FTs compared to non-lame cows (P < 0.001).
• Increased FTs showed a significant correlation with reduced mobility scores (MS) (P < 0.001).
• Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated an optimal threshold of 23.3°C for actual FTs (78.5% sensitivity, 39.2% specificity), with AT-adjusted FT and FT difference showing minimal accuracy improvement.

Conclusions:

• Infrared thermography confirms an association between elevated FTs and lameness in dairy cows.
• Current FT measurement techniques require further refinement to be effective management tools for lameness detection.
• With additional validation, infrared thermography could serve as a screening device to identify cows needing further lameness assessment and treatment.