How Technology Plays a Role in Livestock Management and Monitoring

The purpose of this research is to investigate three technologies — automated feeding systems, electronic ear tags, and digital twins with the Internet of Things — for monitoring and managing livestock operations of all sizes and their impacts on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Responsible Consumption and Production; and Life on Land. This paper aims to provide an overview of each of these technologies, highlighting their applications and addressing concerns farmers may have about adopting these systems on their own operations. Overall, this paper found that automation can be of great benefit to farmers and ranchers who own and operate precision livestock operations of all sizes; however, its applications vary according to personal preferences and necessities. Smaller operations may not reap all the benefits that a larger operation might. For example, many family-run farms do not have the resources to pay for the same high-tech precision technologies that high-producing commercial operations can use on a greater scale. The upfront cost of implementing precision livestock systems can be a limitation for small-scale farmers, and in an era of constant technological advancement, there are additional barriers to keeping them up-to-date. However, with careful consideration and information, farmers can be prepared to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations through automation after encountering initial barriers. Through this evaluation, one can better understand how technology is utilized in agricultural production by answering the question: What are the benefits and limitations of precision livestock technologies, specifically automated feeding systems, electronic ear tags, and digital twins with the Internet of Things, and how can they enhance the agricultural industry and create progress toward implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?