Exploring the use of sound-based methods for lameness detection in dairy cattle

Objective

The objective of this exploratory study was to develop a sound measurement system to investigate the use of acoustics to detect lameness in dairy cattle.

Materials and methods

This study was completed at the Southwest Regional Dairy Center (Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX) with crossbred dairy cattle (n = 10). Cattle were scored as either lame or non- lame in an effort to simplify the scores during this exploratory experiment. Five cattle were scored as lame and five cattle were scored as non-lame prior to walking past the sound system. Cattle were pushed past the stationary sound system in the exit alley. The sound system included a directional condenser microphone with a frequency response of 20Hz to 18kHz. The audio signals were recorded using a 24-bit/96kHz Zoom H6 handheld recorder. The data from the digital recordings were analyzed using the signal processing tools in MATLAB©. Fourier analysis was performed on the data, which is a common technique for processing digital signals to identify any distinguishing characteristics. Our analysis was focused on evaluating the power spectrum, along with the single-sided amplitude spectrum, for each of the audio signals and comparing them together for any prominent differences. [...]