WPSI-7 Retrospective evaluation of clinical outcomes among cattle evaluated with a computer-aided lung auscultation system at the time of bovine respiratory disease diagnosis

• Published in: Journal of animal science 2018-12, Vol.96 (suppl_3), p.513-514
• Main Authors: Nickell, J, Woodward, B, Renter, D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstracts
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163
• DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky404.1123

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the value of combining computer-aided lung auscultation (CALA) technology (Whisper® Veterinary Stethoscope) and rectal temperature (RT) on clinical outcomes to assess the value in the refinement of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) case definition. The CALA system records sounds from a calf’s thorax, and processes them with a machine-learning algorithm that generates a 1 to 5 score that reflects the severity of BRD (1=minimal lung pathology; 5=severely compromised lung tissue). CALA scores were categorized into CALA = 1 or CALA = ≥ 2. RT was categorized as < 40°C or ≥ 40°C. Feedlot BRD treatment records from 85,160 crossbred beef calves from 22 feedlots in Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado (collected from 2012 to 2016) were utilized. All calves would have been recognized as potentially sick and pulled from their home pen for further evaluation, including rectal temperature and CALA. A generalized linear mixed model with a random effects structure to account for lack of independence within feedlot, year, and incoming weight class was used. Gender was fit as a covariate. Significant differences (p