Enhancing Farm-Level Economics & Animal Welfare through Sensor-Based Animal Health Management

Summary

This research investigates the use of advanced technology, specifically sensors, for animal health management to enhance both farm economics and animal welfare. Sensors can detect early signs of health issues, enabling prompt treatment and potentially reducing economic losses while improving animal welfare. The primary health issue focused on in this thesis is sub-optimal mobility (SOM), a common health issue in dairy cows. The study reveals that SOM significantly impacts farm economics by reducing milk production and increasing cow culling. To assess the welfare effects of SOM, a novel method was developed, highlighting its impact, particularly in less severe cases.

The research emphasises the economic and animal welfare value of sensor-based SOM management, but achieving this values requires changes in cow management and tailored sensor output based on SOM severity. The study also proposes a unique method to explore how sensor output data behaviour influences trade-offs between economic and animal welfare gains. In conclusion, this research suggests that sensor technology can be a valuable tool to foster improvements in farm economics and animal welfare when used effectively in animal health management.