Evaluation of Beef Cattle Temperament Using Infrared Thermography and Computer Vison Imaging Technologies

Abstract

The aim of these studies are two-fold. The first, was to evaluate the use of infrared thermography (IRT) maximum, average, and minimum eye temperature (IRTMIN, IRTAVG, and IRTMAX, respectively) and percentage of eye white area (EW) to predict beef cattle temperament by assessing the relationship between IRT and EW traits with 4 established subjective and objective temperament scoring methods (n = 16 traits total). The second was to verify the feasibility of Video Technology (VT) as a measure of beef cattle temperament with minimal equipment and personnel and assess the accuracy and reliability of the VT measurements by comparing those with Temperament Score (TS) and Docility Score (DS). These studies showed potential in using eye white and video technology to objectively predict beef cattle temperament.