TechGen4Health

Technology and genomics for healthier grazing cattle

TechGen4Health is a European research project developing a technology-based, whole-farm approach to reduce endoparasite burden and to improve health and welfare of cattle kept in grazing systems.

Project at a glance

Grazing systems are widely recognised for their positive effects on animal health and welfare. However, endoparasite infections remain one of the major challenges in grazing cattle farming across Europe. These infections reduce productivity, impair animal welfare and contribute to increasing use of anthelmintics and drug resistance. TechGen4Health addresses this challenge by integrating genomic tools, milk-based diagnostics, sensor technologies, environmental data and smart manure management into a single, coherent farm-level approach.

The challenge and our solution

Challenge

Endoparasite infections in grazing cattle cause substantial economic losses and negatively affect animal welfare, milk production and fertility. Climate change further increases infection pressure through rising temperatures and humidity. At the same time, resistance to anthelmintic drugs and environmental contamination by residues are growing concerns.

Solution

TechGen4Health develops preventive, technology-driven strategies to reduce parasite pressure on grassland and infections in cattle. The project focuses on early detection, prediction and prevention of endoparasite infections, while improving genetic resistance and supporting sustainable grazing systems.

A whole-farm approach

TechGen4Health addresses endoparasite infections at different system levels, combining technologies and data sources across the entire farm.

System level

Climate data, pasture characteristics, drone and satellite imagery are used to assess environmental infection risks and to support improved pasture and grazing management.

Herd level

Bulk tank milk diagnostics, sensor-based monitoring and manure management strategies enable early detection and prevention of endoparasite infections at herd level.

Individual animal level

Milk infrared spectra, sensor data and genomic information support early identification of susceptible or resistant animals and targeted herd management decisions.

Work Packages

TechGen4Health is structured into nine interlinked work packages (WP1–WP9), covering diagnostics, digital tools, genomics, environmental monitoring, economic evaluation and project management.

WP1 – Milk MIR-based detection of endoparasite burden
WP2 – Sensor-based monitoring and early warning systems
WP3 – Bulk tank milk antibody diagnostics
WP4 – Genomic tools for parasite resistance
WP5 – Climate, pasture and production system effects
WP6 – Milk quality and calf health
WP7 – Smart manure management
WP8 – Validation and economic evaluation
WP9 – Project management and communication

Core technologies and innovations

Milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectra and antibody-based diagnostics
Sensor-based monitoring of health, behaviour and welfare
Genomic prediction of endoparasite resistance
Drone and satellite-based pasture characterisation
Smart manure management and automated faecal egg counting

Expected impact

Science

Development of innovative diagnostic, digital and genomic tools and generation of comprehensive multi-country datasets for future research.

Practical agriculture

Easy-to-use technologies supporting preventive herd health management and reducing the need for anthelmintic treatments.

Environment

Reduced drug residues, improved manure management and more sustainable grassland use.

Society

Improved animal welfare and increased availability of products from grazing systems that meet societal expectations.

International consortium

TechGen4Health brings together leading experts in animal health, parasitology, genomics and precision livestock farming from seven European countries. The consortium combines scientific excellence with strong links to practice through associated partners from the dairy and agricultural sectors.