A new tool is being developed by the Association des médecins vétérinaires praticiens du Québec to develop a digital tool to anticipate and reduce the risks associated with metabolic diseases in dairy cows.
As Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced, the Government of Canada is contributing nearly $1 million to the tool, from the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program.
Metabolic diseases are a major health concern for dairy cows, especially during the post-calving period. This funding will enable the Association to develop algorithms that will help predict risks during lactation based on blood metabolites obtained before calving. The tool and the results will be made available online for dairy producers and veterinarians. By being better equipped to understand and anticipate risks, they will be able to quickly target corrective actions that improve animal health and welfare.
Dr. Jean-Yves Perrault, president of the Association des médecins vétérinaires praticiens du Québec, says they are very pleased with the assistance received from AAFC.
“With this investment, an algorithm will be developed to primarily target dairy cows in the critical pre-calving period. Artificial intelligence will be used to analyze risks during the production cycle,” says Perrault. “The research will have a huge impact on the day-to-day management of good husbandry practices. In addition, animal health and welfare will be put front and centre with the use of this new technology.”