A Review of the Impact of Smart Sensors and IoT on Modern Livestock Production Management
Udharwar Sanjaykumar Vithalrao *
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Goa, ICAR- Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Ela, Old Goa, India.
Kritika Verma
Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Sri Ganganagar Veterinary College, Tantia University, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan-335002, India.
Mahanthesh M.T
Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, College of Agriculture, Gangavathi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Kanakagiri Road, Gangavathi, District: Koppal Karnataka-583227, India.
Sreedhara JN
Department of Farm machinery and Power Engineering, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India.
Ramdas Bhimrao Shende
Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Nandurabar- 425412 MPKV, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India.
Mahesh
Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India.
Akhilesh Kumar Singh
Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, PRSU, Prayagraj, India
Deepesh Garg
Department of LPM, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Livestock production is central to global food systems, contributing nearly 40% of agricultural GDP and supporting the livelihoods of over a billion people, yet it faces growing challenges of increasing demand, disease risks, environmental impacts, and resource inefficiencies. The primary types of livestock, such as dairy, meat, and poultry, provide essential sources of protein, micronutrients, and calories. The objective of this review is to critically assess the role of smart sensors and IoT in transforming livestock production systems. The scope includes examining various applications of sensor technologies in animal health monitoring, precision feeding, reproductive management, behaviour assessment, and environmental control. The integration of smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies provides transformative solutions by enabling continuous monitoring of animal health, behaviour, and environmental conditions, coupled with real-time decision support. Wearable devices, environmental and biometric sensors, imaging systems, and IoT-enabled platforms enhance disease detection, reproductive management, precision feeding, and welfare assessment, while reducing feed costs and improving resource use efficiency. Artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning models strengthen predictive analytics, enabling early detection of disease outbreaks, optimisation of performance, and proactive risk management. Cloud computing and mobile applications extend the benefits of digital livestock farming by offering accessible decision support to farmers across diverse production systems. Despite significant benefits, challenges persist, including high initial investment, connectivity limitations in rural areas, data ownership concerns, and the need for farmer training and technical support. Global policy interventions, financial incentives, and interoperability standards are essential to overcome these barriers, while ethical considerations must ensure that animal welfare and farmer autonomy are safeguarded. Future innovations, including robotics, drones, blockchain-enabled traceability, wearable nano-sensors, biosensors, and the deployment of 5G with edge computing, promise to create fully integrated, climate-smart, and transparent livestock ecosystems. These advances align with sustainability goals by improving feed efficiency, lowering emissions, and enhancing carbon sequestration through better resource use. The critical role of smart sensors and IoT in reshaping livestock production toward greater efficiency, welfare, profitability, and environmental stewardship, offering a pathway to resilient food systems capable of meeting the rising global demand for safe, ethical, and sustainable animal products.
Keywords: Livestock, IoT, precision farming, animal welfare, sustainability