Automatic Detection of Lameness in Dairy Cattle - Analyzing Image Parameters Related to Lameness

摘要

The objective of this research was to develop and analyze image parameters correlated with expert gait scores that are applicable for lameness detection. Experiments -were done on ILVO farm in Ghent, Belgium, in August/September 2007. A camera recorded postures and movements of lactattng Holstein cows. The parameters trackway overlap, hoof step time and spine arch were calculated for 10 caws. Within the evaluation it was proven that the parameters contain information that can be related to lameness.First, results showed that each image parameter had a relation to gait scores given by experts. It shows that trackway overlap, hoof step time and spine arch are useful for lameness detection. A further goal is the development of an automatic on-line lameness detection tool after analyzing more lame cows and more image parameters.