In the sprawling landscapes where livestock roam freely, a quiet revolution is underway. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is no longer confined to the controlled environments of intensive farming systems. Instead, it’s making inroads into extensive systems, where animals graze over vast, open pastures. This shift promises to redefine how we manage livestock, enhance sustainability, and improve the quality of products while ensuring better working conditions and animal welfare.
At the forefront of this transformation is Gloria Bernabucci, a researcher from the Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences at the University of Tuscia. Her recent study, published in the Italian Journal of Animal Science, delves into the application of Precision Livestock Extensive Farming (PLEF) technologies in extensive livestock systems. Bernabucci’s work highlights the potential of wearable sensors, environmental monitoring equipment, and remote sensing to revolutionize the way we approach livestock management.
Extensive livestock systems cover approximately 67% of global agricultural land, playing a crucial role in food supply and ecosystem services. However, managing these systems presents unique challenges. “The implementation of PLEF in extensive systems is not without its hurdles,” Bernabucci explains. “But the benefits—improved production efficiency, sustainability, and animal welfare—make it a worthwhile endeavor.”
Bernabucci’s research involved a comprehensive text mining of 710 scientific articles published between 1980 and September 2024. The findings reveal a growing trend in the use of sensor technologies for monitoring animal behavior and pasture quality, particularly in countries like Australia and the United States. These technologies are not just about collecting data; they are about transforming that data into actionable insights.
One of the key takeaways from the study is the potential of PLEF to enhance sustainable production in extensive systems. By integrating advanced data analytics and remote sensing technologies, farmers can make more informed decisions, optimize resource management, and address logistical challenges more effectively. “The future of livestock farming lies in the integration of these technologies,” Bernabucci asserts. “It’s about shifting from manual to (semi-)automated management, solving problems, and improving efficiency.”
The study also underscores the need for more research on the integration of edge computing and other advanced technologies. As Bernabucci points out, “While we have made significant strides, there is still much to explore. The integration of these technologies will be crucial in addressing the unique challenges of extensive livestock systems.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, the adoption of PLEF technologies could lead to more efficient use of resources, reducing the environmental footprint of livestock farming. This, in turn, could contribute to the development of more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.
As we look to the future, the work of researchers like Bernabucci will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of livestock farming. By embracing precision technologies, we can create a more sustainable, efficient, and humane approach to livestock management. The journey is just beginning, but the potential is immense. The Italian Journal of Animal Science, translated to English is the Italian Journal of Animal Science.