Precision livestock farming (PLF) uses sensors, cameras, and AI to monitor individual animals continuously, transforming welfare management from periodic inspection to real-time monitoring.
Precision livestock farming technology offers genuine welfare improvement potential: earlier detection of health problems, continuous monitoring rather than periodic snapshots, and data-driven management decisions. However, technology is not a welfare solution on its own. The critical link is between data collection and human response - systems that detect lameness but result in delayed treatment provide less welfare benefit than their technical capability suggests. PLF investments should include stockperson training in alert response, welfare outcome tracking, and accountability mechanisms that connect technology use to welfare improvement.