Researchers in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced on May 7 a new project that uses advanced imaging technology to turn visual assessments of cattle movement into measurable data. The initiative aims to improve cattle health, longevity, and management by providing more objective evaluations.
The effort is led by Josh McCann, associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. The project, named “Cattle Mooves,” is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and brings together experts in livestock evaluation and precision technology. According to McCann, “As long as we’ve raised cattle, we’ve wanted to understand their structure. We can measure a lot of things really well, like how much they weigh and how much they eat. But if we can’t measure something, like structural soundness, it’s really hard to manage.”
McCann’s team uses specialized cameras for 3D imaging and computer analysis to quantify traits such as stride length and limb angles with greater accuracy than traditional methods. “We’re trying to measure the same things people look at when they evaluate animals visually,” McCann said. “The difference is now we can quantify it.” By combining marker-less imaging algorithms with marker-based systems for reference data, researchers hope these approaches will inform both management practices and genetic selection.
A key goal is improving early identification and prevention of lameness in cattle—a condition affecting animal welfare and productivity. “Preventing lameness is a lot better than treating it,” McCann said. “If we can identify structural traits that indicate potential problems early, we can manage animals in ways that help prevent those issues from developing.” He also highlighted opportunities for long-term genetic improvement: “If we’re selecting heavily for traits like growth or meat quality but not paying attention to structure, there’s a good chance we’re losing ground there… Being able to measure structure opens up an opportunity for improvement.”
Education forms another major part of the project; about one-third of funding supports student training programs aimed at expanding awareness around emerging livestock technologies. Undergraduate students—especially those with engineering or computer science backgrounds—will work directly with researchers on this initiative. The team also plans curriculum development for high school agricultural education programs focused on precision livestock management using sensors, computer vision, and data analysis.
“The precision technology side of agriculture has matured really quickly in crops,” McCann said. “But in livestock, it’s still very new.” As research continues under this grant-supported program—including contributions from Hatch funding via USDA’s National Institute—both technological advances and educational outreach are expected to expand further.
The University offers significant resources supporting students through $3.8 million annually in scholarships as well as more than 400 study abroad opportunities; its extension services promote social well-being through nutrition programs while research takes place at the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station on campus; retention rates remain high according to the official website.
