Project Details

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Ketone breathalyzer for cattle

Company: PSU Huck Life Sciences

Major(s):
Primary: ESC
Secondary: BME
Optional: CMPEN, EE, ME

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Ketone concentration in exhaled breath is a reliable indicator of blood ketone concentrations. Blood ketone concentration is an important marker for the metabolic status of an individual. Ketosis (high blood ketones) is a common post-partum disease in dairy cattle that causes significant morbidity and mortality. There are several commercial assays for measuring ketones in blood, milk and urine available for livestock. These are invasive and require animal restraint and some discomfort. Ketone breathalyzers are available commercially for humans, but not livestock. The goal of this project is to develop a ketone breathalyzer for cattle visiting a stationary feeding station. The device should incorporate a standard rfid sensor and be able to accurately record exhaled ketone concentrations in cattle visiting the feeding station throughout the day. Cattle who exhibit high exhaled ketones should generate a flag that would alert the farm manager that professional intervention is needed. The goal is to identify the animals early before they develop clinical ketosis and more severe disease. The device needs to be able function reliably in a harsh environment.