Application of Precision Technologies to Characterize Animal Behavior: A Review.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Animal Science
• Technology in Agriculture

Background:

• Precision livestock farming (PLF) offers numerous tools to streamline complex tasks in animal husbandry.
• These technologies are crucial for monitoring animal behavior, welfare, and social interactions to boost production and well-being.
• The adoption and impact of PLF technologies are critical areas of study in modern agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the adoption, application, effectiveness, and evolution of precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies.
• To review the utilization of wearable sensors, video observation, and smartphone applications in livestock management.
• To analyze the impact of PLF on the monitoring of ruminants, including cattle, sheep, and goats.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review of 108 pertinent articles was conducted.
• Focused on the application of wearable sensors (accelerometers, GPS) and video observation (drones, cameras).
• Examined studies involving the monitoring of cattle, sheep, and goats.

Main Results:

• Most reviewed PLF tools demonstrated high accuracy when appropriately utilized.
• Wearable sensors and video observation systems showed significant benefits in monitoring livestock.
• The study identified a growing trend and effectiveness in the application of PLF technologies.

Conclusions:

• Precision livestock farming technologies are effective and beneficial for monitoring ruminants.
• Proper implementation of PLF tools significantly enhances animal welfare and production efficiency.
• Continued research and adoption of PLF are vital for advancing sustainable livestock management.