Development and analysis of a feedback treatment strategy for parturient paresis of cows

An intelligent on-line feedback treatment strategy based on nonlinear optimal control theory is presented for the parturient paresis of cows. A limitation in the development of an existing nonlinear mathematical model for the homogeneous system is addressed and further modified to incorporate a control input. A neural network based optimal feedback controller is synthesized for the treatment of the disease. Detailed studies are used to analyze the effectiveness of a feedback medication strategy and it is compared with the current ´impulse´ strategy. The results show that while the current practice may fail in some cases, especially if it is carried out before the condition of a patient deteriorates, the proposed continuous medication process may be initiated at any time. Moreover the proposed on-line continuous infusion strategy never leads to severe hypercalcemic problems, thereby avoiding an associated disastrous consequence of cardiac arrest. A comparison study with linear quadratic regulator theory brings out the advantages of the nonlinear control synthesis approach.