Need:
Automatic estimation of Body Condition Score (BCS)
Aim:
- Monitoring of animals’ condition
- More regular and objective data
Description:
A tool with 6 3D cameras can take a photo of the shape of part of the animal or the whole animal. The prototype is currently in the research phase, and algorithms are being created to estimate the weight and NEC of ewes. Other systems exist in other sectors.
How to implement:
The prototype is installed in a restraint corridor. The flow is managed by two gates, one at the entrance and one at the exit. The animal is identified as it passes through and an image is taken (automatically or by the operator). Images are taken quickly (a few tenths of a second). The images are then sorted automatically and an algorithm estimates the weight of the ewes. The estimation of Body Condition Score using 3D imagery is not yet robust and reliable.
Expected benefits:
- Better animal monitoring
- Less stress for the animals and the farmer
Prerequisites and/or limits:
- Depends on the configuration of the restraint park
- Still in the test / prototype phase
Cost / Benefit Analysis
Country:
France
Production system (Dairy or/and meat sheep/goat):
Meat sheep
Category of Animal (ewe, goat, replacement, lamb, kid):
Ewes
Source of information: https://idele.fr/Otop-3D/
Attachment/links:
ADOPTION PREDICTION:
What is the expected uptake of this technology and when might peak uptake happen?
