INNOVATIONS IN SHEEP AND GOAT PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY: A NEW ERA FOR FARMERS
Dr. Akashkumar Sutariya1*, Dr. Himanshu Agrawal1, Dr. Rutvi Patel1, Dr. Mukesh Swami2, Dr. Dharam Navadiya2, Dr. M. M. Islam3
1M.V.Sc. Scholar, Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science & A. H., Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat, India
2M.V.Sc. Scholar, Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science & A. H., Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat, India
3Associate Research Scientist and Head, Pashupalan Sanshodhan Kendra, VASREU, Kamdhenu University, Ramna Muvada, Gujarat, India
*Corresponding author: akashsutariya1@gmail.com
Introduction
The global demand for dairy products is expected to rise steadily as the population grows from 7.7 billion in 2019 to 9.7 billion by 2050. In response to consumer needs, intensive farming practices have been widely adopted. Although livestock farm sizes are increasing due to rising costs and the benefits of economies of scale, the number of animal caretakers per livestock unit is declining. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is defined as the “individual animal management through continuous real-time monitoring of health, welfare, production, reproduction, and environmental impact.” Advances in engineering and biomaterials have made electronics cheaper and smaller, leading to a wider implementation of PLF. As a result, farmers have less time to attend to individual animal needs, and feed shortages for grazing animals negatively impact their welfare, functionality, and health. Climate instability, sustainable development goals, production efficiency demands, and consumer perceptions pose significant challenges and opportunities for both limited and extensive animal farming systems globally. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emphasizes that climate change impacts livestock productivity, especially in mixed and extensive systems. Increased temperatures and variable rainfall affect water availability and, consequently, cattle productivity. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) adapts precision agriculture principles to livestock management, employing sensors and data analysis for better oversight of large animal groups. By enabling real-time monitoring and management, PLF enhances farm operations, particularly in intensive farming environments, where technologies like electronic tags and environmental sensors help farmers respond swiftly to animal health and welfare concerns (Cadero et al., 2018; Berckmans, 2017). In the dairy sector, PLF applications have become prevalent as farms intensify and competition drives innovation among developers (Abeni et al., 2019). While this technology greatly benefits dairy cow management, its adoption in extensive ruminant farming—especially in pastoral systems—faces challenges due to cost and complexity (Morgan-Davies et al., 2018; Lima et al., 2018). Extensive farmers often prioritize low-investment, straightforward grazing methods, making them cautious about integrating PLF solutions. The Mediterranean region exemplifies a unique context for extensive dairy sheep farming. Here, small to medium-sized flocks focus heavily on milk production, supporting a rich market for traditional products like Greek Feta and Italian Pecorino (Pulina et al., 2018). Despite the prevalence of traditional methods, there is a gradual shift towards incorporating PLF technologies to enhance productivity while maintaining economic resilience. This paper will explore existing technologies tailored for extensive sheep farming, assessing their feasibility for small to medium dairy operations in the Mediterranean. Additionally, it will address trends in PLF implementation and the attitudes of sheep farmers towards innovation, which are crucial for successful technology adoption. Sheep and goat farming has come a long way from its traditional roots. As technology continues to evolve, farmers are discovering innovative ways to enhance productivity, improve animal welfare, and boost sustainability. Let’s explore the latest advancements that are transforming the sheep and goat farming landscape.
Innovations in Sheep and Goat Production Technology: Embracing Digital and AI Solutions
As the agricultural sector evolves, sheep and goat farming are experiencing a technological revolution. With the advent of digital and AI-based systems, farmers are now equipped with advanced tools to enhance precision farming, improve animal welfare, and streamline operations. Here, we explore some of the most promising innovations transforming sheep and goat production.
- Aerial Herding: The Rise of Sky Shepherding
Traditionally, herding dogs have been instrumental in managing sheep flocks. However, their presence can induce stress in sheep, leading to health issues like elevated cortisol levels and even reproductive problems. Enter sky shepherding a concept utilizing drones to manage sheep from an aerial perspective.
Research has shown that drones can effectively replace herding dogs, reducing stress among sheep while maintaining effective flock management. Drones equipped with sound-emitting devices can guide sheep by simulating the commands typically given by dogs. Additionally, during night time operations, drones equipped with thermal cameras can identify predators and alert farmers, ensuring better protection for the flock.
- Virtual Fencing: A Barrier-Free Approach
Conventional fencing can be costly and labour-intensive, particularly on large farms. Virtual fencing offers a ground breaking solution by creating invisible barriers using GPS technology. This no-fence system allows sheep to be contained within specific areas without the need for physical barriers.
When a sheep approaches the virtual boundary, it receives auditory cues or, in some systems, a mild electric stimulus via a neck collar. Ethical considerations have led to the development of sound-only systems, which have proven effective in training sheep to stay within designated zones. Although there may be challenges, such as adapting the technology to different breeds and ensuring responsiveness over time, the potential benefits for wildlife conservation and cost reduction are significant.
- Enhanced Disease Detection and Health Management
The integration of AI in sheep farming has opened new avenues for health monitoring and disease detection. Machine learning algorithms are now being employed to identify potential health issues early on. For instance, innovative diagnostic tools can analyze histological data and detect degenerative changes in sheep, improving overall health management.
Moreover, technologies like Digital Twin (DT) systems, which analyse heartbeats and other vital signs, show impressive accuracy in predicting health outcomes. AI-driven approaches have also been developed for monitoring respiratory diseases using thermal imaging, enhancing disease detection capabilities.
A notable example is the walk-over-weighing system, which helps monitor the weight of sheep continuously. This technology can provide critical insights into the health and nutritional status of the flock, allowing for timely interventions.
- Automated Monitoring and Treatment Solutions
The use of drones and AI for health monitoring is not limited to detection; they are also being explored for treatment applications. For example, drones have been tested for targeting and treating specific diseases like hydatidosis, showcasing the potential for precise and timely interventions.
Furthermore, machine learning is making strides in disease classification. Algorithms can now accurately differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like mastitis. Such advancements allow non-specialist veterinarians to make rapid herd-level diagnoses and implement necessary treatments effectively.
Assessing Welfare in Extensive Sheep and Goat Production Systems: Challenges and Innovations
Extensive farming systems, often viewed as more sustainable and animal-friendly, require rigorous scientific validation to ensure animal welfare. While the welfare of sheep and goats in intensive systems has been extensively studied, adapting these findings for extensive systems poses unique challenges. This article examines the importance of welfare assessment in extensive sheep and goat production and explores how new technologies can enhance our understanding and management of animal well-being.
- The Need for Welfare Assessment
Despite the perception that extensive systems are inherently better for animal welfare, scientific evidence is essential to support these claims. Welfare assessment protocols, originally designed for intensive systems, often do not translate directly to the complexities of extensive farming. Thus, developing reliable and valid welfare indicators for sheep and goats in extensive conditions is a pressing need.
- Current Protocols and Limitations
Protocols such as the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) project have begun addressing welfare assessment for small ruminants. However, many existing protocols primarily focus on dairy goats and may overlook key welfare aspects specific to extensive systems. For instance, the AWIN protocols have not incorporated male animals, despite their behavioural impact on the flock dynamics. Moreover, the protocols were not designed to assess the unique environmental challenges that extensively farmed animals face, such as exposure to extreme weather conditions.
- Challenges Unique to Extensive Systems
- Environmental Conditions:Sheep and goats in extensive systems are more exposed to the elements, requiring welfare assessments that account for temperature, humidity, and wind. Traditional indicators of welfare may not be sufficient in these variable environments.
- Behavioural Differences:Males and females exhibit distinct behaviours that affect flock dynamics. The absence of male assessment in welfare protocols can lead to incomplete evaluations of group welfare.
- Infrastructure Limitations:Extensive systems often lack proper housing, making it crucial to evaluate the availability of shade and shelter to mitigate adverse weather impacts.
- Lameness and Health Monitoring: The physical environment in extensive systems can lead to increased lameness due to wet conditions and rough terrain. Traditional methods of hoof examination may be impractical, highlighting the need for innovative monitoring techniques.
- Leveraging Technology for Improved Welfare Assessment
To overcome these challenges, the integration of novel technologies is essential. Here are some promising advancements:
- Drones:Drones can monitor large flocks efficiently, allowing for real-time data collection on animal behaviour and health. They can also help identify animals in distress, facilitating prompt interventions.
- Wearable Sensors:Devices such as ear-tags and accelerometers can track movement and activity levels, providing insights into the overall health and welfare of sheep and goats. These tools can help detect issues like lameness before they become severe.
- Environmental Monitoring Stations:Automated weather stations can collect data on temperature and humidity, enabling farmers to correlate environmental factors with welfare indicators, such as stress levels in animals.
- Automated Health Monitoring:Technologies like image scanning and thermography can be employed to assess physical conditions without direct handling, reducing stress on animals and improving data accuracy.
- Adapting Welfare Protocols for Extensive Systems
Creating effective welfare assessment protocols for extensive systems requires a comprehensive approach:
- Integration of New Indicators:Protocols should evolve to include indicators specific to extensive farming, such as shelter availability, environmental exposure, and the presence of males in the flock.
- Positive Welfare Indicators:Beyond assessing negative welfare aspects, it’s crucial to incorporate positive indicators that reflect animal well-being, such as social interactions and behavioural enrichment.
- Training and Feasibility:Welfare assessments in extensive systems must be practical. Training assessors to work in these environments and simplifying assessment processes can enhance the validity of findings.
Conclusion
The integration of digital and AI technologies in sheep and goat farming represents a significant leap forward. Innovations like sky shepherding, virtual fencing, and advanced health monitoring systems not only enhance operational efficiency but also prioritize animal welfare. As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise a future where farming is not only more productive but also more sustainable and humane. Embracing these advancements is crucial for farmers aiming to thrive in an increasingly competitive agricultural landscape. Welfare assessment in extensive sheep and goat farming is a complex yet critical task. By embracing technological advancements and adapting existing protocols, we can develop effective measures that accurately reflect the welfare of animals in these systems. This will not only validate the perception of extensive farming as humane but also enhance the quality of life for the animals involved. As we move forward, a collaborative effort between researchers, farmers, and technologists will be essential to ensure that animal welfare remains at the forefront of agricultural practices.
References
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