A joint research project by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and the University of Minnesota has shown that lameness in dairy cows is partly genetic, not just a management issue. This means farmers can breed cows that are naturally less prone to lameness.
Why this breakthrough matters
This research was possible because of AI-based CattleEye video systems, distributed worldwide by GEA, which record millions of daily mobility scores — something manual scoring could never achieve.
The huge, objective dataset finally allows scientists to measure the heritability of mobility, estimated at 10–30%.
Two new genetic traits being developed
- Hoof Health – based on lesion data from professional hoof trimmers
- Mobility – a new trait using AI-generated mobility scores from CattleEye
These traits could soon become part of national breeding indexes.
Impact on dairy farming
Lameness costs farms $350–400 per cow per year, due to:
- Lower milk yield
- Poor fertility
- Shorter herd life
- Treatment costs
With genetic selection:
- Cows will be less likely to become lame
- Herds will be healthier, more fertile, and longer-lasting
- Farmers will rely less on treatment and more on prevention through genetics
A major shift in dairy breeding
By integrating CattleEye data directly into national breeding programs, the project creates a closed loop between barn, data, and genetics.
Within 3–5 years, farmers may be able to choose bulls and heifers with much lower lameness risk.
Read More: Rajasthan Dairy Sector Focuses on BMCs
Why GEA calls it “transformational”
Instead of just detecting lameness early, the industry can now:
- Genetically reduce lameness across generations
- Improve welfare and economics permanently
- Use AI + big data + genomics for sustainable herd improvement
Background
- CDCB–UMN project started in July 2021
- Partly funded by FFAR
- CattleEye now monitors 200,000+ cows globally
Join Our “Dairy & Food Jobs Updates” WhatsApp group
Disclaimer
I do my best to share reliable and well-researched market insights but occasional errors or omissions may slip through. Please view all content as informational.
Stay informed on all the latest news updates
All Agriculture Books Free Download
All Dairy Technology Books Free Download
All Agricultural Engineering Books Free download
All Horticulture Books Free Download
All Fisheries Science Books Free Download
For Daily Update follow us at:
Facebook Telegram Whatsapp Instagram YouTube
The contents are provided free for noncommercial purpose such as teaching, training, research, extension and self learning.
If you are facing any Problem than fill form Contact Us
If you want share any article related Agriculture with us than send at info@agrimoon.com with your contact detail.
