An Overview of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) Technologies for Digitalizing Animal Husbandry toward Sustainability

Abstract

As the global population continues to expand, it is imperative for livestock farming to undergo necessary adaptations in order to effectively address the escalating food demands and enhance productivity. Concurrently, it is imperative to acknowledge and tackle concerns pertaining to animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and public health. The primary aim of the article is to provide a comprehensive examination of the latest advancements in the utilization of biometric devices, big data, and blockchain technology for the purpose of digitizing animal husbandry within the context of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF). Biometric sensors are physiological devices utilized for the purpose of monitoring the health and behavioral patterns of an individual animal. This information can be utilized by farmers to do population-level analysis. Big data analytics solutions employ statistical algorithms to examine extensive and intricate data sets, detecting significant trending patterns and offering advisory recommendations for farmers' decision-making. These systems are designed to interpret and integrate data obtained from biometric sensors. Blockchain technology, when combined with sensors, facilitates the secure and convenient tracking of animal products throughout their journey from the farm to the table. This approach demonstrates efficacy in the surveillance of disease outbreaks, the prevention of economic losses, and the mitigation of food-related health pandemics. The implementation of PLF technology within the livestock industry has the potential to contribute to the attainment of sustainable development.