ThermalAid - A Smartphone App to Aid in the Detection of Heat Stress in Livestock
- Detailed Technology Description
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- *Abstract
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The National Climatic Data Center stated in 2011that this summer was the hottest in over 75 years, with 2012 surpassing that level. Livestock are especially vulnerable to heat stress that could result in reduced productivity and death. Livestock loss from this stress can cost dairy, beef, and swine industries hundreds of millions of dollars. The present method to reduce heat stress uses a heat index that requires elaborate analysis and, as a result, is underutilized.The current invention, from researchers at the University of Missouri, is a smart phone application that combines weather and animal information to identify heat stress in livestock and make decisions to animal welfare during the summer months. This application can be utilized at three levels depending on the specific needs. Weather information from a locality can be used to project a general level of heat stress. At the next level, the producer can enter herd information and a new index will be produced. Finally, the user can enter thermal stress information for specific animals. Additionally, the information gathered can be sent to a university web site, where it is logged to provide additional help and suggestions.POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATIONØ Global livestock farmers in developed and third-world countries.Ø Geographical areas with animals susceptible to heat stress.MAIN ADVANTAGES OF INVENTIONØ First application of its kind.Ø International collaboration of livestock specialistsØ User friendly application for a smart phone.Ø Guided instruction and feedback.STATE OF DEVELOPMENTPrototype to be completed early 2013.LICENSING POTENTIAL: University seeks licensure with potential to commercializePATENT STATUS: Provisional application pending.TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT CONTACTSSamuel E. Bish, PhD; bishs@missouri.edu; 573-882-5016Nancy Parker, PhD; parkern@missouri.edu; 573- 884-3553
- *Principal Investigator
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Name: Donald Spiers, Associate Professor
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- USA
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