Precision livestock breeding – improving both health and production in dairy cattle
Short summary
Agricultural systems needs to evolve to meet the needs of a growing population, and at the same time focus on both animal welfare and minimal environmental impact. Our research project focuses on how animal welfare and the health and productivity of dairy cows can be improved using sensor technology
About the project
A primary component of the project is to use a real time location system to study the indoor movement and social interactions of dairy cattle. We will investigate the possibility to select for increased milk yield considering effects of social interaction with the purpose to improve the social environment of the cows.
We will use theory developed for indirect genetic effects (IGE). To model IGE, it will be essential to first understand the social interactions, as an IGE is a genetic effect of an individual on the trait value of the other individuals in the same group.
The location and movement of the cows will also be used to investigate disease transmission. An existing simulation model of spread and control of mastitis causing pathogens will be further developed using cow location data and pathogen data.
We will develop decision-support tools for farmers to minimize transmission of mastitis within their dairy farms in close collaboration with Växa Sverige.
Project goals:
- To develop tools for summarizing animal movement and social interactions in dairy farms.
- To develop methodology for breeding on indirect genetic effects (IGE).
- To develop decision-support tools for minimizing disease transmission within dairy farms based on knowledge gained from animal movement and social interactions.