Daily variation in the udder surface temperature of dairy cows measured by infrared thermography: Potential for mastitis detection

Abstract

The daily and within-day variation in udder temperature was monitored in dairy cows (n = 10) using infrared thermography (IRT). The initial assessment and prediction of udder surface temperature variation would hopefully form the basis for future development of an early detection method for mastitis. Our initial objective was to determine the magnitude and pattern of udder temperature variation. To accomplish this, we measured daily fluctuations in udder temperature and the influence of environmental factors upon these values in non-mastitic cows. Udder temperature rose significantly after an exercise period (P < 0.05). Withinday monitoring of udder temperature demonstrated there was a distinct circadian rhythm. Lag regression analysis showed that previous daily udder temperatures together with environmental temperature parameters could successfully predict current udder temperature with a high degree of accuracy. The variation between predicted and actual udder temperature was within the detectable range for an inflammatory response. Infrared thermography shows promise in its application if coupled with environmental temperature monitoring as an early detection method for mastitis.Key words: Thermography, dairy cattle, environment, temperature Berry, R. J., Kennedy, A. D., Scott, S. L., Kyle, B. L. et Schaefer, A. L. 2003. Détermination de la variation quotidienne de la température à la surface du pis des vaches laitières par thermographie infrarouge : utilité potentielle pour le dépistage de la mammite. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 83: 687-693. Les auteurs ont examiné la variation quotidienne et intra-quotidienne de la température du pis des vaches laitières (n = 10) par thermographie infrarouge (TI). En effet, une première évaluation et la prévision subséquente de la température à la surface du pis pourraient aboutir à l'élaboration d'une technique de dépistage précoce de la mammite. L'objectif initial consistait à établir l'ampleur d'une telle variation et ses particularités. Pour cela, les auteurs ont mesuré les fluctuations quotidiennes de la température du pis et l'influence de divers facteurs environnementaux chez des vaches ne souffrant pas de la mammite. La température du pis grimpe sensiblement (P < 0,05) après une période d'activité. Dans la journée, elle suit un rythme nettement circadien. L'analyse de régression avec retard indique qu'on pourrait utiliser la température du jour antérieur et les paramètres de la température ambiante pour prévoir la température courante avec une grande précision. L'écart entre la température prévue du pis et la température réelle est assez faible pour qu'on détecte une inflammation. La TI est une technique prometteuse pour le dépistage précoce de la mammite si on la combine à la surveillance des paramètres de la température ambiante.

A Review of Methods to Measure Animal Body Temperature in Precision Farming

“…The use of IR technology to measure the udder temperature has resulted in more controversial results. Schutz and Bewley (2009) did not validate this method unlike Berry et al (2003) and Kunc et al (2007) who found interest of udder surface infrared thermography for mastitis detection. These outcomes are comparable with those obtained for the early detection of leg injuries or lameness in horses or cattle, in which the studies' conclusions diverged.…”

“…Montano et al (2009) showed that the IR technique, especially on the extremities of the body, is relevant to the study of feed efficiency of steers. This method is suitable for studies focused on the impact of external conditions on the thermoregulation abilities of cattle, whether the measurements are taken from the skin (Pusta et al, 2012) or the udder (Berry et al, 2003). However, infrared thermography is of limited suitability for evaluating changes in the metabolic rate caused by shearing because this system only measures radiative heat loss, not total nonevaporative heat loss (Autio, 2008;Al-Ramamneh et al, 2011).…”

“…Environmental conditions such as ambient temperature, humidity, wind, sun, shade, and air movements have a strong impact on body temperature (Lowe et al, 2001;Faurie et al, 2001;Berry et al, 2003;Davis et al, 2003;Green et al, 2005). Continuous measurements of temperature could also be an interesting and efficient tool to prevent heat stress (Laburn et al, 2002;Renaudeau et al, 2008;Green et al, 2009), or for genetic selection of animals more tolerant to ambient conditions or extreme variations (Dikmen et al, 2009).…”

“…For given thermoneutral environmental conditions, modulations of body temperature are directly and inherently subjected to circadian rhythms (Lowe et al, 2001;Piccione et al, 2005). Sexual status and rhythms, especially estrus, pregnancy, parturition, and lactation, also influence body temperature (Berry et al, 2003 ;Aoki et al, 2005;Bewley et al, 2008;Cooper-Prado et al, 2011).…”

The utility of sensor technology to support reproductive management on dairy farms

“…Thermal cameras have been used for the detection of mastitis; however, these devices were handheld (Berry, et al, 2003, Colak, et al, 2008, Hovinen, et al, 2008, Polat, et al, 2010. While these papers have described an association between mastitis and udder skin temperature, no validated algorithms have been described.…”