Thermographic monitoring A novel tool for evaluating thermal adaptation in heat stressed farm animals
Keywords:
thermographic monitoring, animal science, livestock management, thermal comfort, heat stress, health monitoring, selective breeding, animal welfare, technology in agriculture.Abstract
Thermographic monitoring, leveraging the principles of infrared thermography, has emerged as a pivotal tool in animal science, offering a non-invasive, real-time approach to assessing animal welfare and health. This review paper delves into the multifaceted applications of thermographic monitoring in farm animal management, highlighting its significant contributions to evaluating thermal comfort, detecting heat stress, monitoring health conditions, aiding in selective breeding, and enhancing overall productivity and welfare. Despite its numerous benefits, the implementation of thermography faces several challenges, including technical limitations, methodological hurdles, and ethical considerations. The paper discusses these challenges in depth while also exploring future directions for thermographic monitoring in animal science. Through technological advancements, methodological refinements, interdisciplinary collaborations, and a focus on ethical practices, thermography has the potential to revolutionize livestock management. This review underscores the importance of continued innovation and research in overcoming existing limitations, paving the way for thermography to become a standard practice in animal welfare and productivity management.
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