Integrating ICT into Livestock Production and Management: A Comprehensive Review
Suraj C. Koujalagi *
Department of Animal Science, ICAR-KVK (Belagavi-1), India.
Prachi Chandrakar
Department of Livestock Production Management, ICAR- NDRI, Karnal, Haryana, India.
Mahanthesh M.T
Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, College of Agriculture, Gangavathi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Kanakagiri Road, Gangavathi, Koppal, Karnataka-583227, India.
Ankita Kumari Yadav
Department of Animal Production, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Manish Kumar Meena
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P., India.
Udharwar Sanjay Kumar Vithalrao
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Goa, ICAR- Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Ela, Old Goa, India.
Praveen Kumar Tiwari
Department of Dairy Technology, College of Dairy Science and Food Technology, Raipur, India.
Mahesh Uttam Tanpure
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, VNMKV, Parbhani, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Livestock production plays a pivotal role in global agriculture, contributing significantly to food security, rural livelihoods, and economic development. With increasing demand for animal-based products and rising challenges such as disease outbreaks, climate variability, and resource inefficiency, the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has emerged as a transformative solution. The primary objective of this review is to explore the integration and impact of ICT across various facets of livestock production and management. ICT applications, ranging from artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), mobile platforms, cloud computing, blockchain, and big data analytics, are revolutionising livestock systems across breeding, feeding, health management, housing, marketing, and environmental monitoring. A study found that RFID-based systems reduced animal identification errors by 97% and increased efficiency in herd management. Tools such as precision feeding systems, sensor-based health monitors, genomic selection platforms, and automated milking robots have led to measurable improvements in productivity, animal welfare, and cost efficiency. E-learning platforms offer scalable, cost-effective solutions for skill development in animal husbandry. Impact assessments show that livestock farmers who engage in structured online learning report a 20–30% improvement in practices such as record-keeping, health monitoring, and hygiene. Predictive analytics and decision support systems are enabling data-driven farm management, reducing losses and improving resilience to climatic shocks. Despite these advancements, several challenges persist, including high investment costs, limited digital literacy, poor rural connectivity, and concerns related to data privacy and ownership. Addressing these barriers through inclusive policy frameworks, financial incentives, and targeted training is essential for ensuring broad-based adoption and sustainability. Global case studies and regional initiatives underscore the potential of ICT in reshaping livestock production into a more responsive, transparent, and environmentally adaptive system. Analysis of current ICT applications, benefits, limitations, and emerging trends in the livestock sector, offering critical insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to harness digital technologies for resilient and sustainable livestock development. The convergence of technology and animal agriculture marks a new era of smart and inclusive livestock systems.
Keywords: Livestock, information and communication technology, traceability, automation, genomics, blockchain