A diagnostic tool for endometritis in cows, based on a portable automated image recognition software

Projektinformationen

Better Dairy

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 816160

DOI

10.3030/816160

Projekt abgeschlossen

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 16 Mai 2018

Startdatum 1 Mai 2018

Enddatum 30 September 2018

Finanziert unter

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Gesamtkosten

€ 71 429,00

EU-Beitrag

€ 50 000,00

Koordiniert durch

OCULYZE GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Better Dairy (A diagnostic tool for endometritis in cows, based on a portable automated image recognition software)

Berichtszeitraum: 2018-05-01 bis 2018-09-30

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

The postpartum period is a critical period in the life of dairy cattle and management of the most important problems and diseases at an early stage. Subclinical endometritis is one of the most common and devastating diseases that significantly disrupts the reproductive performance of cows. Subclinical endometritis is the inflammation of the uterine endometrium without mucopurulent material accumulation in the vagina and any systemic symptom. Subclinical endometritis causes severe economic losses, including increased open days, calving intervals, and number of services to achieve conception; and in some cases, it can result in the cow becoming infertile. Until now, awareness of subclinical endometritis has been limited and on average 40% of cattle develop endometritis as they are not diagnosed in time for treatment.
Oculyze offers the first tool for mobile and automated diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in cows, Better Dairy, and represents the first application in the field of animal diagnostics and its successful commercialization will open the door to what could be the new benchmark in mobile diagnostics. Oculyze’s solution is based on an integrated automated image recognition system powered by a handheld high-resolution microscope. In order to reach commercialisation, Oculyze aims to upgrade its hardware and software, scale-up production and validate the technology in a commercial dairy farm setting.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

Oculyze undertook a full analysis of both the technical and business potential of the Better Dairy concluding that it would be highly valuable for the dairy farming industry. Oculyze analysed the results from the first in-cattle testing and determined the necessary engineering and optimisation required. Oculyze defined the testing to be performed to ensure effective technical validation for CE Marking, and a commercial validation to determine the benefits for veterinarians and dairy farmers. Oculyze also utilised the feasibility study to identify all missing stakeholders from the value chain including all suppliers; analyse the target markets and define the commercialisation strategy; and elaborate financial projections and required investments.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

The expected outcome of the project is to successfully upgrade the microscope hardware and associated software and demonstrate the technical functionality and accuracy in diagnosing subclinical endometritis. Oculyze will also perform a commercial validation with veterinarians and dairy farmers. The results will be used to apply for the CE Mark certification and enable commercialisation in Europe. The Better Dairy diagnostic tool will raise awareness of subclinical endometritis and enable early detection for timely treatment and to reduce losses to farmers. The Better Dairy development will boost economic growth and create jobs within Oculyze.

Oculyze's first product (Better Brewing) in use.