A survey among students of veterinary medicine and agricultural sciences in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland about perception of digital technologies on dairy farms and students' preparedness for the digital transformation in dairy farming

K R Weimar ¹, W Heuwieser ², M Iwersen ³

⁰Centre for Systems Transformation and Sustainability, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria.

Journal of Dairy Science +

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December 5, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Future veterinarians and agricultural scientists have a positive view of digital tech in dairy farming but express concerns about animal welfare and the human-animal bond. Educational institutions need to improve preparation for the digital transformation in the dairy industry.

Area Of Science

Agricultural Science
Veterinary Medicine
Digital Technology Adoption

Background

Digital technologies are increasingly integrated into professional and private life, impacting the dairy industry and veterinary practice.
Future farmers and veterinarians will need to navigate digital advancements alongside societal demands for animal welfare and reduced pharmaceutical use.
Understanding the perception of digital technologies among the next generation of professionals is crucial for successful implementation.

Purpose Of The Study

To assess the perception of digital technologies among veterinary medicine (VetMed) and agricultural science (AgriSci) students in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
To explore students' attitudes towards digital tools in the dairy industry and their preparedness for digital transformation.
To identify potential challenges and expectations regarding digitalization in dairy farming and veterinary practice.

Main Methods

An online survey was distributed to VetMed and AgriSci students across institutions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The survey covered demographics, relationship with the dairy industry, perception of digital technologies, and future expectations.
A total of 454 eligible responses were analyzed (318 VetMed, 136 AgriSci).

Main Results

Students generally exhibit a positive attitude towards digital technologies, with high acceptance of sensor-equipped cows.
Skepticism exists regarding specific practices like early cow-calf separation and automated calf feeding, particularly among VetMed students.
A significant portion of students, especially VetMed (nearly 50%), feel inadequately prepared for the digital transformation in their studies.

Conclusions

While digital technology adoption is generally welcomed, concerns about the human-animal relationship and specific husbandry practices persist.
There is a clear need to enhance veterinary and agricultural education to better prepare students for digitalization in the dairy sector.
Addressing these perceptions is vital for the future of dairy farming, veterinary education, and mitigating livestock veterinarian shortages.

Keywords:

dairy industry digital technologies digital transformation students survey

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