Use of Infrared Thermography to Monitor the Physiological Condition of Dairy Cows

The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of using infrared thermography (IRT) as a tool for monitoring the physiological condition of dairy cows. The goal was to monitor cows at normal temperatures. As physiological parameters began to change with the onset of heat stress, the study focused on a group with temperature and humidity index (THI) values below 72. The study monitors the surface temperature at various points on the body, rectal temperature (RT) and Frequency of Breathing. Those parameters were chosen because they give the most accurate data on physiology and can be objectively measured. Thermography images of the udder surface temperature (UST), leg surface temperature (LST) and shoulder surface temperature (SST) of the cows were taken. Surface temperatures were extracted from the photos using specialized software. The data were processed and analyzed statistically. The correlation coefficient between UST and SST was 0.90, between RT and Frequency of Breathing was 0.65, between LST and UST it was 0.45 and between LST and SST - 0.39. In conclusion, it can be said that IRT can be used to monitor the physiological condition of dairy cows.