Precision livestock farming: a suite of electronic systems to ensure the application of best practice management on livestock farms

Abstract

The sophisticated global market place for livestock products demands safe, uniform, cheap, and environmentally- and welfare-friendly products. However, best-practice management procedures are not always implemented on livestock farms to ensure that these market requirements are consistently satisfied. Therefore, improvements are needed in the way livestock farms are managed. Information-based and electronically-controlled livestock production systems are needed to ensure that the best of available knowledge can be readily implemented on farms. New technologies introduced on farms as part of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) systems will have the capacity to activate livestock management methods that are more responsive to market signals. PLF technologies encompass methods for measuring electronically the critical components of the system that indicate efficiency of resource use, software technologies aimed at interpreting the information captured, and controlling processes to ensure optimum efficiency of resource use and animal productivity. These envisaged real-time monitoring and control systems should dramatically improve production efficiency of livestock enterprises. However, as some of the components of PLF systems are not yet sufficiently developed to be readily implemented, further research and development is required. In addition, an overall strategy for the adoption and commercial exploitation of PLF systems needs to be developed in collaboration with private companies. This article outlines the potential role PLF can play in ensuring that existing and new knowledge is implemented effectively on farms to improve returns to livestock producers, quality of products, welfare of animals and sustainability of the farm environment.