This project aimed to develop automated systems for the detection of these animals, through remote measurement of body temperature using infrared thermography and auto-drafting systems.
The project consisted of trials with cattle at research farms and commercial processing plants.
Trials at commercial processing plants recorded live animals with associated body temperature and indicators of stress in blood and meat via eating quality. Body temperature measured with infrared cameras was significantly but weakly correlated to indicators of stress and thus further refinement of the technology is required to be useful under commercial conditions.
A pilot automated system to identify, send an alarm and segregate sick and stressed animals with high body temperature was developed.