What does precision livestock farming (PLF) primarily focus on?

Precision livestock farming (PLF) primarily focuses on managing the health and productivity of individual animals. This approach utilizes technology to gather detailed data about each animal’s behavior, health indicators, and productivity levels. By employing tools like sensors, GPS technology, and data analytics, farmers can monitor and assess various factors, such as feeding patterns, movement, and even physiological conditions. This individualized attention enables farmers to make informed decisions regarding animal welfare, feeding strategies, and overall herd management, ultimately leading to improved outcomes in production efficiency and animal health.

In contrast, monitoring soil health pertains to agricultural practices focused on crop production rather than livestock. While managing livestock on a herd basis is relevant to overall herd management, it does not delve into the individual monitoring that characterizes precision livestock farming. Overseeing crop production is also outside the scope of PLF, which specifically addresses the care and management of livestock rather than plants.