APPLICATION OF THERMOVISION CAMERA IN THE EARLY DETECTION OF HOOF DISEASES IN DAIRY COWS

Sa？etak The problems correlated with cattle breeding are extremely complex, therefore high economic investments as well as management skills are necessary. Any possibility of cost reduction and production increase is welcome, therefore certain alternative methods are applied. Infrared thermography that is the use of thermovision camera is a modern, non-invasive and safe method of visualizing surface temperature of the body. The use of suchcameras in human and veterinary medicine has shown to be a good tool in solving certain problems. Therefore, the interest in the application of these cameras in intensive livestock production has significantly increased. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of thermovision camera in the prevention and early detection of the hoof diseases in cattle production, in dairy cows. Atotal, of 90 cows were examined of which and based on the analysis of thermal imaging photos and experiences of observers 27 animals were isolated suspected to have an inflammatory change on one or more legs or hooves. Examinations of selected cows were made by competent and trained workers for correction and review of the hooves. It was found that 70% of cows had some kind of inflammatory process at least on one hoof. Based on the results of research the justification of the use of thermovision cameras was established in the early detection of inflammatory changes in the hooves of dairy cows, as certain measures can be taken to prevent progression of the disease and the occurrence of lameness and thus contribute to reducing the economic losses (decrease in milk production, treatment costs etc.) in cattle production