Topic ID No.: 2026-G12

Title of research topic:

Measuring livestock health parameters using thermal optics, lidar scanners and drones

Description:

Measuring livestock health parameters using thermal optics, lidar scanners and drones.

Target region or country (if applicable):

South Africa

Topic background information / scientific relevance:

Health parameters such as body condition score, body temperature, and parasite burden give valuable information on the health status of animals. his is both important for food production as well as animal welfare. A recent study showed a correlation between the external body temperature and the parasite load in goats. Former studies tried to measure the body condition score and the body weight of livestock using drones, but could not succeed. This was mainly due to the technological development of drones at that time. With the technical progress and the development of new, more powerful drones, this should be possible. The aim of the project is to collect data on health parameters of livestock and perform measurements using thermal imaging, lidar scans and photogrammetry. At a certain stage the data should be used the program an algorithm which is able to estimate the health parameters by using a smartphone or similar. This can help farmers keep up with the health status of their livestock, produce save food and maintain animal welfare. In a long term view, the measures should be taken out using a drone and adapting them to large scale farms.

Research objectives:

Gathering data on health status of livestock, development of an algorithm to measure these parameters without touching the animals, providing a quick way to get an overview on the health status of livestock. Developing and implementing measures than can be widely applied by using smartphones for small scale farmers and animal health officers or drones by larger scale farmers.

Required skills and qualifications of the applicant:

The applicant should hold a master’s degree in Agricultural science, a degree in veterinary medicine, a degree in biology or similar. Experience in microbiological lab work is beneficial, especially in the field of parasitology and molecular diagnostics but not prerequisite. Fluent English language skills both spoken and written and a driving license are required. The will and ability to work remotely on a project with no direct supervision is required as well as the will to stay abroad for at least two and a half years.

Contact person and institute in charge:

Dr. med. vet. Thorben Schilling. University of Hohenheim. Department of Infection and Environmental Hygiene in Livestock.

Thorben.Schilling@uni-hohenheim.de