This Project Grant award, with a total funding of $275,000, was issued by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the TIP (Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships) program (CFDA 47.084). The grant supports the development of DIGITFOAL, an innovative early labor warning system for safe and successful foal delivery in the equine industry.
The project leverages state-of-the-art dual wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors and a pre-trained deep learning algorithm to monitor and analyze critical physiological signals of horses, which are predictive of foaling stages. This technology is designed to mitigate foal mortality due to dystocia (difficult labor) by providing real-time, accurate assessments of foaling risks. The broader impact of this project extends beyond economic benefits, as it has the potential to revolutionize equine breeding practices and be adaptable for monitoring other livestock and wildlife, contributing to advancements in precision livestock farming and animal health monitoring.
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