Animals (Apr 2025)

Application of Infrared Thermography in the Detection of Hoof Disease and Lameness in Cattle

  • Tina Bobić,
  • Nikola Raguž,
  • Mihaela Oroz,
  • Marko Oroz,
  • Maja Gregić,
  • Pero Mijić,
  • David Kranjac,
  • Boris Lukić

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15081086
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 8
p. 1086

Abstract

Read online

The aim of this paper was to highlight the most recent findings from research that utilized infrared thermography in diagnosing hoof disease and lameness in dairy cows. Scientific references were selected from databases based on their application of infrared thermography in detecting and preventing diseases in cattle. Studies have established that measuring view, leg position, and the presence of disease or different levels of lameness significantly affect the temperature values of cow’s feet. Additionally, the timing of measurements is also important, while factors such as lactation stage, animal activity, and ambient temperature substantially impact the infrared readings. The potential of using infrared thermography has been recognized. However, further research is needed to develop optimal combinations of different diagnostic methods to improve the accuracy and efficiency of detecting hoof disease and lameness.

Keywords