Precision Livestock Farming in the Digital Age: Sensors and Microfluidics Paving the Way for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Precision livestock farming (PLF) leverages technology such as sensors, automation, and data analytics to optimize livestock production, health, and welfare while minimizing environmental impact. This paper reviews key PLF technologies including sensors, telemetry, imaging, microfluidics, and data analytics. We discuss applications in health and disease monitoring, nutrition and feeding optimization, reproductive management, indoor climate control, and resource efficiency. Real-world case studies demonstrate improved productivity, sustainability, animal welfare, food safety, and farm profitability from implementing PLF solutions. Major trends include miniaturized, wearable, and ingestible sensors; edge/fog computing; integration of multimodal sensor data; and closed-loop automation. Barriers to adoption such as cost, technical complexity, and data privacy/security are also examined. With innovative sensors and data-driven insights enabled by the digital revolution, PLF represents a pathway towards more ethical, efficient, and sustainable livestock production.