An Overland Park startup is taking a closer look at a cow’s muzzle — and not because it’s cute.
Its patent-pending technology can detect subtle changes, which are used to predict when a disease is about to take hold. For farmers, MyAnIML Inc.’s technology could help them reap bigger profits.
Every year, diseases and deaths in cattle herds cost U.S. farmers more than $70 billion, MyAnIML founder and CEO Shekhar Gupta told the Kansas City Business Journal. While a few tech players are trying to solve the problem through disease detection, none to Gupta’s knowledge are focused on disease prediction.
MyAnIML’s technology uses computer vision, artificial intelligence and strategically placed cameras to monitor individual animals. In a healthy steer or cow, the muzzle is shiny with beads and ridges. In one that’s sick, the muzzle becomes less shiny and the beads and ridges smooth out.
“The naked eye cannot tell the difference. It’s the computer vision and artificial intelligence we’re using that tells the difference between a healthy and sick muzzle,” he said.
With pinkeye, for example, MyAnIML can detect changes in the muzzle three to four days before the infection affects the rest of the body. The prediction element is particularly vital for farmers, because pinkeye can easily spread throughout the herd. When an unhealthy animal is identified, farmers can receive a notification via MyAnIML’s app or via text or email alerts.
The average profit margin for dairy and beef farmers is tight – about $100 to $150 per animal, Gupta said. When the animals catch diseases, profits can quickly wither. Early detection allows farmers to start treatment sooner and isolate animals to prevent the spread of infection to the rest of the herd.
Consumer recalls in the beef and dairy industry piqued Gupta’s interest in building a tech-driven solution. The recalls not only cut into a company’s profits, they also affect consumers’ health.
“I’m very opportunity-driven. I’m challenge-driven,” he said. “My motivations were to solve a challenge that nobody has tackled before.”
MyAnIML is launching a trial study with beef and dairy cattle in September with Texas A&M University. The startup is using the trial to perfect its technology, particularly in cattle raised for beef. Three customers with a combined 60,000 heads of cattle have signed up to start using the technology when MyAnIML is ready. Other prospective customers have voiced interest in signing up for MyAnIML’s monthly subscription service once the Texas A&M trial is completed. Eventually, Gupta thinks his technology could be expanded to the equine and companion animal industries.
“How cool would it be to take a picture of your dog, and right away we can tell you if something is going to happen?” he said. “You could have the veterinarian take care of it right away and not have to worry about losing a loved one.”
