Precision Livestock Farming: Integrating Sensor Technologies and Data-Driven Approaches for Animal Health, Welfare, and Productivity

Dear Colleagues,

Precision livestock farming is transforming the way livestock are managed in modern production systems. With the help of sensor technologies and data-based indicators, it has become possible to monitor animals continuously and better understand what is happening with their health, welfare, productivity, and reproductive performance. Instead of relying only on occasional observations, farmers and researchers can now follow changes in behaviour, production performance, and physiological responses in real time. This makes it easier to identify problems early and manage both animal health and reproduction more effectively.

In this Special Issue, we aim to bring together recent work focused on the practical use of these tools in livestock systems. We are particularly interested in studies demonstrating how sensor-derived information can support health monitoring, early disease detection, reproductive management, welfare assessment, and production efficiency across different livestock species. Relevant topics include the monitoring of activity, feeding behaviour, rumination, physiological responses, milk quality, growth performance, heat stress, and other indicators related to animal health, welfare, productivity, and reproduction across livestock species. Studies integrating multiple sensor technologies and data sources, including wearable sensors, activity monitors, rumination sensors, environmental sensors, automated feeding systems, imaging technologies, and precision positioning systems, to improve decision-making in livestock production systems are particularly encouraged.

We particularly encourage contributions that show clear, practical applications on farms and contribute to more sustainable and efficient farming.

Dr. Lina Anskienė
Dr. Giedrius Palubinskas
Dr. Sara Albarella
Guest Editors

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