Research project Innovative tools to support preventive and curative claw care in dairy cattle
General introduction
Which innovative techniques can help improve both curative treatment of lame cows and periodic preventive claw care on Flemish dairy farms? To answer this question, researchers are looking in the direction of automatic and self-learning image processing of the cow's legs. The VLAIO-LA project CLAWCARE starts from the observation that dairy farmers still too often underestimate the claw problems and lameness status on their farms.
Research approach
CLAWCARE has ended. The approach was situated on different levels: 1. The development of a self-learning image processing algorithm to detect and classify claws (lesions) as curative or preventive based on thermal images and AI. A thorough evaluation and adjustment of preventive claw care is required to obtain ideal pressure distribution within the claw. This evaluation was largely supported by the deployment of innovative high-tech techniques such as an RSscan pressure mat and a 3D scanner. 2. Conducting objective testing of claw bathing agents with a strong focus on Treponema and Mortellaro. 3. A strategy to pool and disseminate knowledge. This was done, among other things, through the cow sensor knowledge center (check their website at /claw health), and through the development of an innovative learning tool for dairy farmers.
Relevance/Valorization
At the conclusion of the project, the researchers note increased attention to claw care and its importance. A combination of innovative research and numerous trainings, demos, workshops and webinar for dairy farmers and industry has been achieved. The developed knowledge will continue to be made available through at least 5 main sources: the claw care program of the external practice of the UGent Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the knowledge center Koesensor managed by the Hooibeekhoeve, the innovation learning tool of HoGent, the AgrifoodTEF (Test and experimentation facility) of the ILVO, and the ad hoc founded Belgian claw care association.
