AI Camera Spots Early Cow Lameness

Published Date : 17/10/2025 

A new technology using artificial intelligence and video cameras is helping farmers identify hoof problems and lameness in cows weeks before they become visible to the naked eye, significantly improving hoof health and productivity. 

Technology that pairs a video camera with artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way farmers manage hoof health and prevent lameness in their cattle. Tera Baker from NEDAP, a leading agricultural technology company, highlights the innovative SmartSight camera system that can detect early signs of hoof problems and lameness, allowing for more proactive and effective management.

Baker explains that lameness is a significant issue in the dairy industry, often difficult to identify early. The SmartSight camera system, developed over several years, uses advanced algorithms to analyze millions of data points and assess cow locomotion. This sophisticated technology can identify lameness weeks before it becomes visible to the human eye, enabling hoof trimmers to focus more on maintenance and less on treatment.

The SmartSight camera is installed in areas where cows frequently walk, such as passageways or feeding areas. It works seamlessly with existing identification systems on the farm or can be paired with NEDAP’s own ID system. As cows move beneath the camera, the system captures their gait and sends the data to a brain box mounted on the farm. The brain box instantly generates a locomotion score, which is then securely stored in the farmer’s cloud storage.

This real-time data allows farmers to take control of hoof health management on their farms. By identifying and addressing lameness issues early, farmers can prevent more severe problems, ensuring that their cows remain healthy and productive. Additionally, hoof trimmers find that they can process more cows through the chute because they spend less time treating severe conditions.

Baker spoke about the SmartSight camera system during the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, emphasizing its potential to transform hoof health management. The technology not only improves the well-being of the animals but also enhances the overall efficiency and profitability of dairy operations.

Overall, the SmartSight camera system represents a significant advancement in the dairy industry, offering a powerful tool for farmers to maintain the health and productivity of their herds. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the SmartSight camera system?

A: The SmartSight camera system is an advanced technology that uses artificial intelligence to detect early signs of lameness in cows. It captures data on cow gait and generates locomotion scores to help farmers identify and address hoof problems early.

Q: How does the SmartSight camera work?

A: The SmartSight camera is installed in areas where cows walk. It captures video data of the cows' gait and sends it to a brain box on the farm, which generates a locomotion score. This score is then stored in the farmer’s secure cloud storage for easy access and analysis.

Q: Why is early detection of lameness important?

A: Early detection of lameness is crucial because it allows for more proactive and effective management. By addressing hoof problems before they become severe, farmers can prevent more serious issues, ensuring that their cows remain healthy and productive.

Q: Can the SmartSight camera be integrated with existing farm systems?

A: Yes, the SmartSight camera can be integrated with existing identification systems on the farm or paired with NEDAP’s own ID system, making it a flexible solution for different farm setups.

Q: What are the benefits of using the SmartSight camera?

A: The SmartSight camera offers several benefits, including improved hoof health, early detection of lameness, more efficient hoof trimming, and enhanced overall farm productivity and profitability. 

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