HerdVision, a robust camera system for objective body condition and mobility scoring, will soon be integrated into the dairy management software system DairyComp, enabling real-time health updates each time a cow exits the parlour.

Matthew Dobbs, co-founder of HerdVision, said: “Body condition scoring is a key indicator of health and fertility in dairy cows, and it is often based on subjective visual observations.

“With HerdVision the camera system can be retrofitted on the parlour or cattle race and provides 2D and 3D imaging of the animal. This enables body condition to be scored and lameness or other injuries to be detected.

“The information is synced automatically with the herd management system and made available through an app. This enables timely interventions, such as a feed supplement or health inspection, to catch a potential problem early.”

The robust camera system overcomes the need for farmers to manually score cows and provides repeatable, consistent and objective measures. Cow identification uses the Agrident reader and EID Assignment.

The agreement with DairyComp will enable body condition scoring to be integrated with other elements of herd management. It follows the recent on-farm trials with Arla.

HerdVision has recently gained Innovate UK funding to further develop its body weight algorithm, and will be able to assess the bodyweight of calves through to adult animals, simply by passing under the camera.

This information can be used to optimise feed and estimate a time to market for dairy beef.

Furthermore, it opens up the opportunity to support the creation of digital twins – virtual animals that can be traded online, with known growth rates and finishing potential.

The company has just closed a Series A funding round with strategic and institutional investors and is looking for further commercial partnerships and end users.