By Catherine Carlton, Livestock project assistant at Innovation for Agriculture
Lung scanning technology is emerging as an innovative approach to managing calf health, as the technology offers farmers the ability to detect respiratory issues early, improving overall livestock care and reducing long-term costs.
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on improving the health and well-being of livestock. In particular, the early detection of respiratory issues in calves has become a critical area of interest collectively for farmers, veterinarians, and animal welfare advocates. Respiratory diseases in calves can lead to significant health problems, reduced growth rates, and increased veterinary costs, ultimately impacting profitability and sustainability.
The importance of early detection
Respiratory problems in calves are a common concern in the agricultural sector. Calves are particularly vulnerable to respiratory diseases, as their immune systems are still developing, and they are often exposed to challenging environmental conditions such as poor ventilation or overcrowding. Conditions like pneumonia can develop rapidly, and if not caught early, they can lead to severe complications, including lung damage and even death. These diseases can significantly affect a calf's growth and productivity, leading to delays in reaching market weight and ultimately affecting the farmer's cost and productivity.
Early detection is key to preventing the spread of respiratory diseases and mitigating their impact on the health of the animals. The optimal window for lung scanning is when calves are between 4 and 12 weeks old, as this is the period when respiratory issues commonly begin to emerge but may not yet be visible. By identifying potential issues before they become more severe, farmers can intervene with treatment or adjust management practices to prevent further complications. In this context, lung scanning technology is proving to be a valuable tool in early diagnosis.
What is lung scanning technology?
Lung scanning technology uses advanced imaging techniques to assess the condition of a calf’s lungs. The technology relies on non-invasive sensors that capture detailed images or scans of the lungs to detect signs of respiratory distress or disease. These scans can identify areas of inflammation, fluid buildup, or other indicators of pneumonia and other respiratory conditions. By analysing these images, farmers and vets can make informed decisions about the health of their animals and determine the most appropriate course of action.
The process of lung scanning is relatively straightforward. A portable scanner is placed over the calf’s chest, and within minutes, the machine generates an image of the lungs. These scans are often compared against a baseline to detect changes over time or to assess any new developments. Lung scans are typically supplemented by other diagnostic methods such as clinical examination and temperature monitoring to provide a comprehensive view of the calf’s health.
Who can do it and what does it cost?
While only vets can make a formal diagnosis from the scans, trained vet techs can often carry out the scanning itself under veterinary supervision—this may vary slightly depending on local regulations. Costs can vary widely depending on the practice. some vets charge per calf, some charge based on time, and others may include scanning as part of a broader youngstock health package. In some cases, lung scanning may even be offered at no additional cost as part of ongoing herd health support.
How lung scanning benefits UK farmers
The integration of lung scanning technology in calf health management offers several advantages for UK farmers:
- Cost reduction and improved productivity
By identifying respiratory issues early, farmers can treat calves before conditions worsen, reducing the likelihood of severe disease and long-term complications. Timely treatment can also help prevent the need for expensive veterinary interventions, which can be costly for farmers. Early detection also ensures that calves can continue to grow and develop at a healthy rate, reducing the risk of stunted growth and delays in reaching market weight. This leads to support the financial sustainability of farming operations.
- Enhanced animal welfare
Lung scanning technology not only benefits farmers financially but also improves the welfare of the animals. By detecting respiratory issues early, farmers can address health problems before they cause significant distress or suffering to the calves. Timely intervention can reduce the duration and severity of illness, leading to better overall health outcomes and a higher quality of life for the animals. This approach aligns with growing expectations regarding animal welfare in the UK and beyond, where consumers increasingly demand higher standards of care for farm animals.
- Reduced antibiotic use
Antibiotic resistance is an ongoing concern in both human and animal medicine. Overuse of antibiotics in livestock can contribute to the development of resistant strains of bacteria, which are difficult to treat and pose a risk to both animal and human health. By detecting respiratory diseases early and managing them proactively, farmers can reduce the need for antibiotics, opting for more targeted treatments or preventative measures. This not only supports animal health but also helps farmers meet increasingly strict regulations on antibiotic use and animal welfare standards.
- Increased farm efficiency
Lung scanning technology also enables farmers to monitor the overall health of their herd more efficiently. Regular lung scans can provide a clearer picture of the health of individual animals, allowing farmers to identify potential problems before they escalate. This proactive approach to health management helps farmers optimise their herd’s productivity and ensures that resources are allocated where they are needed most. It can also reduce the time and effort spent managing sick animals, allowing farmers to focus on other important aspects of farm management.
Future use of lung scanning technology in livestock management
Lung scanning technology enables detection of respiratory issues at an early stage, before calves become symptomatic. This enables farmers to intervene promptly, reducing the need for more costly treatments and preventing the spread of infections to other animals in the herd.
Because of this, the technology is revolutionising livestock health management, providing farmers with the ability to detect respiratory issues in calves early and take proactive measures. With advancements in AI and machine learning, the technology will become even more precise, helping farmers make faster, more accurate diagnoses, they could identify patterns and predict potential health issues before they even arise.
As it becomes more affordable and integrated with other health monitoring tools, lung scanning will not only improve animal welfare but also enhance farming efficiency and sustainability, paving the way for a healthier future in livestock production.
