Thermal Imaging for Mastitis Detection in Goats

Mastitis, a prevalent inflammatory condition of the mammary gland, poses a major challenge to dairy goat productivity worldwide. Sub-clinical mastitis (SCM), which lacks visible symptoms, is more widespread than clinical mastitis (CM), with reported prevalence ranging from 15% to over 50% across regions. Conventional diagnostic methods such as the California Mastitis Test (CMT), somatic cell count (SCC), and microbial culture while effective, are time-consuming and resource-intensive. Infrared thermography (IRT) offers a rapid, non-invasive alternative by detecting inflammation-induced thermal anomalies in the udder and teat. This study evaluates the diagnostic potential of IRT for mastitis detection in crossbred dairy goats under varying seasonal conditions. Significant increases in udder surface skin temperature (USST) and teat surface skin temperature (TSST) were observed in SCM and CM cases, with values correlating strongly with elevated SCC and positive CMT results. Thermal elevations varied with season, reflecting both inflammatory status and environmental stress adaptations. IRT demonstrated high sensitivity for early detection of SCM, underscoring its relevance in precision livestock health management. Integration of IRT with artificial intelligence, wearable sensors, and automated milking systems could revolutionize mastitis surveillance, enhancing farm-level decision-making. Wider adoption will require standardized imaging protocols, breed-specific validations, and training to realize its full potential in sustainable goat farming.