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Ingenera, a company based in Switzerland, has recently developed a device that can be connected to a smartphone to linear score an animal through 3D imaging. The BodyMat Vet 3s, after years of testing, was recently trialled under Irish conditions in conjunction with Teagasc and ICBF where it showed high correlations to conventional scoring (93-96%).
What is linear scoring?
Linear scoring has been proven in Ireland to be successful in assessing key animal performance traits such as functionality, muscle development and skeletal development. ICBF has been involved in linear scoring in conjunction with pedigree breed societies for many years. However, it is a costly and time-consuming exercise and farmer uptake has been poor in some breed societies because of this. But it is an important measure of an animal’s performance and some commercial farmers still pay attention to these figures as it is one of the only measures of a bull’s functionality.
The linear score generates best linear unbiased predictions (BLUP figures) and these filter into an animal’s overall breeding index
What is the BodyMat Vet 3s?
The BodyMat Vet 3s is a tool for collecting the physical and morphological data of an animal by taking 3D pictures with laser technology with software that can be installed on a smartphone. The app or operating system then calculates the measurements and the linear score of the animal without the need for scoring individual points.
The device generates a 3D image of the animal from the pictures taken. It then calculates the linear score in line with the ICAR recommendations on linear scoring points. It will also generate a liveweight for the animal based on the 3D image it generates.
How does it compare?
The developers, in conjunction with Teagasc and ICBF, recently tested the software device in five different herds across a number of breeds and have linear scored 340 animals in Ireland so far.
Early indications are that the device compares very well with the conventional linear scores, with very good correlations in animals up to 365 days. Some minor changes are being made as sunlight can distort the 3D imaging process.
Possibilities
The developers recently commissioned a standalone unit consisting of two bars with laser beams that would be fixed at a point in a shed and each time the animal passes the beam a 3D image is generated, meaning everything is completed remotely. The device could play a role in the future in purchasing animals based on meat yield before slaughter and it also could play a role in assessing functionality of cows in dairy herds. The developers have also had interest from the horse industry in developing a similar-type model that could be used in scoring or measuring horses.
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