Using metabolomics to detect lameness on commercial dairy farms; a validation study

 The aim of this project is to validate novel biomarkers (significant metabolites) for detection and monitoring of lameness in commercial dairy herds, with outputs being highly relevant and valuable as a building block towards preventive management of lameness. In order to achieve this aim the following objectives will be met; 

1. Establish a biobank of urine and milk samples from lame and non-lame dairy cows from 10 commercial dairy herds 

2. Undertake targeted metabolomics to validate, under commercial field conditions, the predictive ability of a known metabolomic profile (previously identified in a research herd using machine learning methods developed at University of Nottingham) for the detection of lameness in dairy cows. 

3. Undertake additional untargeted metabolomics (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)) to compare the metabolome of lame and non-lame dairy cows to further enhance predictions obtained in Objective 1 utilising machine learning methods developed at University of Nottingham. This project will include industry partners closely linked to nationwide networks of farm veterinary practices and farmers to ensure effective dissemination of project outputs.