Novel long-lasting analgesia in lambs undergoing tail docking and castration
Project start: 1 August 2020
Project completed: 1 December 2021
MPI funding: $53,700
Industry funding: $40,700
Industry partner: Massey University
Region: Manawatu
This research tested a pain mitigation (analgesic) strategy for lambs undergoing castration and tail docking. The lambs were treated with Firocoxib, a long-acting non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug used for control of pain and inflammation. Lambs treated with this drug showed less stress and pain behaviours compared to untreated lambs. No drug toxicity was observed, and it did not impede the average daily gain of lambs. Tissue residue levels of the drug need to be determined in future studies.
Farm animals locomotion monitoring using computer vision and machine learning
Project start: 29 March 2021
Project completed: 17 November 2021
MPI funding: $40,000
Industry funding: $60,000
Industry partner: Iris Data Science
Region: Nationwide
This project completed a proof of concept for a locomotion scoring system that continuously monitors animals throughout their life on a farm. This system detects lameness early and reduces the prevalence of lameness, resulting in less suffering, less cost and less culling. The next step is to bring the product to market.
