Precision Livestock Farming and Animal Welfare in Dairy Systems

Journal of Veterinary Science

© 2025 by SSRG - IJVS Journal

Volume 11 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Lensa Urgesa Akasa

10.14445/24550868/IJVS-V11I3P101

How to Cite?

Lensa Urgesa Akasa, "Precision Livestock Farming and Animal Welfare in Dairy Systems," SSRG Journal of Veterinary Science, vol. 11,  no. 3, pp. 1-5, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/24550868/IJVS-V11I3P101

Abstract:

Precision Livestock Farming integrates sensor technologies, automated monitoring systems, and data-driven decision tools to improve the management of livestock at the individual-animal level. In dairy systems, PLF has rapidly expanded as a tool to enhance productivity, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. This literature review synthesizes current knowledge on PLF applications in dairy cattle, with emphasis on heat stress detection, behavior and welfare assessment, automatic milking systems, and performance optimization. Findings highlight that PLF improves early disease detection, enhances milking efficiency, optimizes resource use, and provides welfare-related behavioral insights. However, challenges remain, including technical failures, risks of reduced human-animal interaction, welfare trade-offs, and ethical concerns linked to excessive technologization of animal care. Significant knowledge gaps also persist concerning positive welfare assessment, long-term impacts, standardized metrics, and applicability across diverse production systems. This review concludes that Precision Livestock Farming has strong potential to support sustainable and welfare-friendly dairy production when integrated with thoughtful management, ethical oversight, and robust farmer engagement.

Keywords:

Precision Livestock Farming, Dairy Cattle, Animal Welfare, Automatic Milking Systems, Sensor Technologies, Ethical Considerations, Farm Management.

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