Hoofcount Vision Detection for Early signs of DD Lesions and Lameness Within Dairy Cattle

Hoofcount Ltd are researching the development of an early detection lameness monitoring system. Dairy cows are susceptible to a range of hoof issues including Digital dermatitis, sole ulcers, white line disease and overgrown hooves. These generally show a visual change in the underside and back of the hoof. Particularly in the development of lesions on the skin in the form of Digital Dermatitis (Mortellaro). These issues can develop initially without the animal showing visuals signs in its gait.

Detecting and treating these issues at an early stage is beneficial to the animal in keeping the hooves healthy and preventing severe lameness which leads to a lower production, increased veterinary / treatment costs, reduced animal welfare, a higher Carbon footprint along with many other issues.

Developing a system that can visualise these changes on a daily basis and detect any potential issues early will be of huge benefit to the national herd. Utilising computer vision and computer learning is Hoofcount's preferred method to monitoring and detecting these issues.