Protocol for validation of infrared (IR) camera to detect disease in male dairy calves

Abstract

The objectives of this prospective longitudinal cohort study are to compare the results from infrared thermography (IRT) and rectal thermography over the first week after arrival to a veal facility, determine the utility of IRT in identifying high-risk calves, and determine the ideal day after arrival to collect body temperature to maximize sensitivity and specificity in identifying calves at high-risk to die or be treated for disease.The hypothesis is that IRT will accurately identify calves at high-risk to die,or be treated for disease, with better accuracy than temperatures collected with a rectal thermometer.