Description of Organization
Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is a not-for-profit organization operating at the intersection of research, industry, and government. Funded across all livestock sectors alongside provincial and federal governments, we shape a vibrant future for livestock production through our programming. We support our members by supporting the research ecosystem, contextualizing discoveries within real-world livestock operations, identifying emerging trends and opportunities, and driving long-term strategic vision for the sector.
Problem area
Real-time livestock monitoring (capturing data on animal health, behavior, and environmental conditions) is essential for data-driven decisions that enhance farm productivity, sustainability, and profitability. Remote sensing via cameras can offer valuable operational insights, including early health/disease alerts, feed efficiency indicators, and behavioral tracking. However, camera monitoring solutions are not commercial-ready for small-scale farms and lack the capability to continuously track multiple animals at the pen level from a distance. Developing a non-invasive, pen-level monitoring camera technology can enable producers to extract actionable insights, optimize health management, and improve overall herd efficiency.
The student team will analyze current remote thermal camera systems available for small-scale indoor (barn) beef and dairy production models to identify market and technology gaps. The team will then select specific target indicators (some examples: early disease detection, individual identification, or reproductive status) and design a practical remote thermal camera monitoring solution. LRIC will provide subject matter advisors to support the team throughout development.
Main objectives
Develop a technology which can monitor cattle from a pen-scale distance using thermal imaging, which can extract insights such as differences in thermal profiles, behaviour etc.
Scope of work
- Conduct a literature review on existing pen-scale cow-calf monitoring technologies and the analytical insights they deliver.
- Develop a conceptual hardware design for a thermal camera system. tailored for pen-level monitoring for an indoor (barn) environment.
- Develop a prototype and test at a local participating farm.
- Develop software to process and analyze video/images of cattle, identifying key metrics and actionable insights.
Deliverables
- Report
- Presentation
- Conceptual or hardware prototype
Frequency
- Monthly
Skills and training required
Students will gain technical expertise in cattle production environments (indoor barn housing), thermal imaging applications, and video/image data analysis. They will develop practical engineering skills by prototyping (conceptual or hardware) farm-adaptable monitoring hard- and software. Additional competencies include critical analysis of academic literature, protocol evaluation, and active stakeholder engagement across the livestock value chain, including producers, researchers, farm staff, and industry representatives.
Resources required
Computers, database with thermal images/video of cattle, supplies and equipment for prototype building, transportation to visit beef or dairy farms.
NDA or a commercialization agreement for this project?
Yes