In the rapidly evolving landscape of agricultural technology, a new bibliometric review is shedding light on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in livestock farming. Published in the journal *AgriEngineering* (translated to English as “Agricultural Engineering”), the study, led by Taize Calvacante Santana from the Department of Agricultural Engineering at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) in Brazil, maps and analyzes the scientific literature on this emerging field. The research highlights the growing maturity of discussions around the integration of digital technologies in agriculture, particularly from 2021 onwards.
The study identified 151 documents published between 2015 and 2025, using advanced tools like VOSviewer and Biblioshiny for Bibliometrix to analyze the data. The results reveal a significant increase in publications, reflecting the burgeoning interest in AI’s role in livestock farming. Keyword co-occurrence and bibliographic coupling analyses uncovered four main thematic clusters: technical applications in precision livestock farming, governance, animal welfare, and algorithmic justice.
“Our findings underscore the importance of aligning technological innovation with ethical responsibility and social inclusion,” said Taize Calvacante Santana, the lead author of the study. “As we transition to digital livestock farming, it is crucial to develop robust ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks.”
The study also identified the most influential authors, high-impact journals, and leading countries in the field. Notably, it highlights the lack of robust ethical guidelines, proposing future research directions for the development of regulatory frameworks, codes of conduct, and interdisciplinary approaches.
The implications for the agricultural sector are profound. As AI continues to transform livestock farming, the ethical considerations surrounding its use become increasingly important. The study’s findings suggest that the integration of AI in agriculture must be accompanied by a strong ethical framework to ensure the welfare of animals and the sustainability of farming practices.
“This research is a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to collaborate in developing ethical guidelines that will shape the future of digital livestock farming,” added Santana. “It’s not just about technological advancement; it’s about ensuring that these advancements are used responsibly and ethically.”
As the agricultural sector continues to embrace digital technologies, the insights from this bibliometric review will be invaluable in guiding the development of ethical and sustainable practices. The study serves as a foundation for future research and policy development, ensuring that the benefits of AI in livestock farming are realized without compromising ethical standards.
Published in *AgriEngineering*, this comprehensive review provides a roadmap for the ethical integration of AI in livestock farming, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and robust regulatory frameworks. The findings are a timely reminder that technological innovation must be accompanied by ethical responsibility to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for agriculture.