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  4. Infrared thermography for stock breeding

Infrared thermography for stock breeding

Low-cost monitoring of the rutting season, testicular function, pregnancy and udder health

Thermal imaging cameras have for several years proven their worth in the industrial stock breeding of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and poultry. They constitute an inexpensive and very early temperature measuring method providing important information about the overall condition of the breeding animal for both the breeder and the vet. Trotec offers a wide range of devices for infrared thermography.

A thermal imaging camera supplies very precise data and images of the body temperature – depending on the camera model with an accuracy of 0.05°C. Through regular data collection several times a day at various locations of the body and comparison with the rectal temperature as reference, even the smallest of deviations can be recognized at an early stage. This way, coming on diseases can be treated to prevent costly production losses, e.g. due to the lameness of the breeding bull with digital dermatitis or the mastitis-metritis-agalactia complex of sows. Hence, infrared thermography is a very efficient means for all stock breeding phases, be it cattle, pigs or sheep. It is used for...

  • monitoring the rutting season,
  • the determination of the ideal insemination time,
  • checking the testicular function,
  • monitoring the pregnancy,
  • the surveillance of udder health,
  • the detection of inflammations in the extremities,
  • preventive claw/hoof trimming
  • and for general health checks.

On the breeding cattle market: Examining animals before purchase

Moreover, infrared thermography can already be used as mobile solution before the breeding bull or dam get to the cowshed: This way, the livestock can already be examined for health on the market with respect to temperature deviations.

Various device classes for every size of breeding business or veterinary practice

The Trotec Group's range of products includes thermal imaging cameras in different performance classes and price ranges. All of them are inherently suited for use in the fields of stock breeding – which device best meets your needs depends on working volume and budget. Out of the extremely light battery-powered devices of the Eco series, the EC060V with a thermal sensitivity of 0.08°C is suited for animal breeding and also affordable for a small breeding business or vet. The investment in premium devices for industrial stock breeding can amount to several thousands of euros up to a five-figure sum – with correspondingly increased efficiency. Particularly well suited for this are infrared cameras of the IC series with an extremely high thermal sensitivity of 0.05°C such as the IC085LV or the premium device. The technical comparison illustrates all performance parameters side by side. This way, every vet or breeder can find an appropriate thermal imaging camera to meet their needs.

Infrared thermography for stock breeding

 standard equipment

 optionally available

 not available

Further application examples for measurement technology in the field of thermography

  • Indicative fever screening during an infectious disease epidemic

    In times of infectious disease epidemics, the early detection of infected persons becomes all the more important. Highly infectious viruses, such as norovirus, SARS-CoV-2 (corona) or even H5N1 (bird flu) don’t respect closed doors, international borders or access restrictions. The pathogens spread across the world during a pandemic and the most important measure to help contain them is the early...

    Additional information
  • Observing wild animals

    In addition to binoculars, there is mainly one piece of equipment that is indispensable for observing wild animals: a thermal imaging camera. With the help of infrared images, animals can be tracked even in poor visibility conditions and total darkness. With the thermal imaging cameras of the IC series Trotec provides reliable observation equipment. Handy, precise and resistant – and all of this...

    Additional information
  • Checking the health of trees

    The safety in parks, on paths and in the forest must be ensured by either the owners or the public administration responsible for the area. Their legal duty of care includes assessing the trees' health condition professionally in order to be able to take the necessary measures. If it turns out that a tree is heavily damaged, it must be removed as quickly as possible to avoid endangering...

    Additional information
  • Equine thermography

    The horse is one of the most popular animals in Germany. If a horse suffers a disease or an acute injury, however, costs for medical examinations can be comparatively high. The later the physical impairment is detected, the more time-consuming and cost-intensive the healing process will be. This is why thermography is increasingly used for prophylaxis, acute diagnostics and rehabilitation.

    Additional information
  • Infrared thermography for border security

    Monitoring protected areas and borders is a highly responsible task. For here, everything revolves around security. The border guards' task is to track down and stop unauthorized persons. Since intruders mainly rely on poor visibility conditions giving them cover, border guards must be particularly prepared for missions at night and in dense fog. This requires the use of equipment of the latest...

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  • Infrared thermography for steel production

    Steel is used wherever high performance is required: in the sector of mechanical engineering and plant construction, in the automotive industry or for the construction of trains, railways and accessories. The demand for steel increases steadily. But in order for the steel processing industry to be able to offer high-quality products, the requirements put on crude steel are extremely high. A...

    Additional information
  • Electrical thermography

    In what condition are the power lines concealed in a wall or equipment? Is the plastic sheathing brittle already? Are the connections faulty? If a power cable or connection is about to come off or the insulation is bursting open, it doesn’t take much before there is some greater damage. To prevent cable fire and failures of the electrical system, an early detection and elimination of the cause of...

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  • Thermography deployed in a water utility

    Customers of water suppliers depend on the continuous operation. And the supplier guarantees uninterrupted service. In order to pinpoint technical problems as quickly as possible and to have the maintenance crew work more efficiently, thermal imaging camera are used for checking electronic equipment. The detailed infrared images created by Trotec thermal imaging cameras indicate precisely which...

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  • Thermography in wind turbines

    Rotor blades serve to convert the wind power into electrical power in a wind turbine. Since the components made of composites are exposed to enormous stress both during manufacturing and operation, they must be in an excellent condition in order to be stable. With the help of infrared thermography, manufacturers and operators of wind turbines can take a look onto and into the rotor blades to make...

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  • Checking solar plants

    Photovoltaic plants must be in a perfect condition in order to optimally supply private persons and customers benefiting from them. Not only the planning and installation are essential. A check of the solar cells and the entire plant is also indispensable. Hidden defects and malfunctions can be tracked down easily with a thermal imaging camera of the IC series from Trotec. Optimal support for...

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  • Location in waters

    At sea good visibility is extremely important, especially at night. A fact well known by every sailor who has been out on the open sea after dark before. Amateur mariners and search and rescue teams who want to navigate their fleet unerringly and then need to locate other boats and persons in the water make use of the infrared technology. For Trotec thermal imaging cameras produce detailed and...

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  • Search for oil slicks

    Once an oil slick reaches the coast, the damage becomes particularly great. Entire animal populations are threatened, and the flora is destroyed. Depending on the size, it may even end in an oil pest. This is why conservationists and task forces work at full capacity in order to spot and eliminate the oil as quickly as possible. Particularly poor visibility and heavy swell require a keen eye. This...

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  • Animal documentaries

    How do lions hunt in the desert at night? Where has the anaconda hidden? Where do antelopes run when they are startled in the dark? Filmmakers are able to answer these and numerous other questions thanks to the latest technology. Particularly in the field of animal documentaries, the use of thermal imaging cameras becomes increasingly popular. The detailed recordings reveal unknown scenes and...

    Additional information

Trotec products for veterinary medicine

 standard equipment

 optionally available

 not available

Application example for veterinary medicine

  • Observing wild animals

    In addition to binoculars, there is mainly one piece of equipment that is indispensable for observing wild animals: a thermal imaging camera. With the help of infrared images, animals can be tracked even in poor visibility conditions and total darkness. With the thermal imaging cameras of the IC series Trotec provides reliable observation equipment. Handy, precise and resistant – and all of this...

    Additional information
  • Equine thermography

    The horse is one of the most popular animals in Germany. If a horse suffers a disease or an acute injury, however, costs for medical examinations can be comparatively high. The later the physical impairment is detected, the more time-consuming and cost-intensive the healing process will be. This is why thermography is increasingly used for prophylaxis, acute diagnostics and rehabilitation.

    Additional information
  • Infrared thermography for stock breeding

    Thermal imaging cameras have for several years proven their worth in the industrial stock breeding of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and poultry. They constitute an inexpensive and very early temperature measuring method providing important information about the overall condition of the breeding animal for both the breeder and the vet. Trotec offers a wide range of devices for infrared thermography.

    Additional information
  • Ventilation in livestock farming

    A good climate is decisive for livestock farming. All farm animals, whether dairy cows, calves, fattening pigs, laying or slaughter poultry, primarily need fresh air to prevent them from perishing early and to prevent the production of milk, meat or eggs from dropping tremendously. Even frequent cleaning does not necessarily protect the air in the stable from becoming contaminated. Due to...

    Additional information