IMPACT OF PRECISION LIVESTOCK FARMING ON WELFARE AND MILK PRODUCTION IN MONTBELIARDE DAIRY COWS

The concept of "precision livestock farming" represents the optimization of the contribution of each animal to the integrated economy of the farm. During more than three decades of applied research, precision zootechnics has gone through several stages, namely from process automation, developed to reduce human labor, to focusing attention on monitoring animal needs (health, well-being). All information collected at the farm level has the role of supporting the farmer in making optimal and fast decisions, in accordance with the animal's condition and the efficiency of the farm. Sensor technologies are being used to monitor the production and physiological condition of the animals, thereby contributing to animal welfare, animal health and food safety. Farm management is assisted by sensor systems collecting information about milk production, reproduction and animal health status. Increasingly. these innovations are leading to a more efficient performance of dairy farms, in terms of both physiology and profitability.