Accurately predicting tomorrow: optimizing the early detection of illness in dairy calves using precision technologies and animal behavior in a machine learning model

• Grant number: 23/10782-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: May 15, 2024
• End date: November 14, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Production
• Principal Investigator: Márcia Saladini Vieira Salles
• Grantee: Márcia Saladini Vieira Salles
• Host Investigator: Joao Henrique Cardoso Costa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Zootecnia. Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). Nova Odessa , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Vermont (UVM), United States

Abstract

This proposal aims to obtain a research grant abroad for the development of a research project together with Dr. João Costa at the University of Vermont, and his team of researchers. It will also be used to analyze and discuss the results of ingestive and social behavior from the Fapesp 2020/15745-5 project, in addition to knowledge recycling activities mainly in the area of animal welfare, behavior and isolation technologies in the calf rearing system, which will be used to outline future research projects in Brazil, as well as transferring knowledge in extension courses and to postgraduate students. The project has three objectives. Objective 1: Determine behavioral and physiological changes associated with BRD and diarrhea in dairy calves using machine learning. Objective 2: Identifying key-predictor variables for the BRD and diarrhea in dairy calves' early life using predictive machine learning. Objective 3: Determine the effectiveness of a non-antimicrobial treatment (i.e. colostrum replacer or supplemental micro and macro elements) on disease recovery in calves with BRD or diarrhea.