Precision livestock farming for animal health, welfare and production

Precision livestock farming, PLF, is an embryonic technology that applies the principles of process engineering to livestock farming. PLF requires a sensing system for outputs, a mathematical model of input/output relationships, a target and trajectory for controlled processes, and a model-based controller with actuators for process inputs. PLF has great potential to transform livestock production by efficient utilisation of nutrients, early warning of ill health and reduction of pollutant emissions. While the current focus of PLF should be monitoring of farm animals as part of surveillance of health and welfare, the ultimate goal is to employ PLF as the farmer's aid to management of intensive and extensive livestock.