Increased cattle feeding precision from automatic feeding systems: considerations on technology spread and farm level perceived advantages in Italy
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2023
Citazione:
Increased cattle feeding precision from automatic feeding systems: considerations on technology spread and farm level perceived advantages in Italy / E. Romano, M. Brambilla, M. Cutini, S. Giovinazzo, A. Lazzari, A. Calcante, F.M. Tangorra, P. Rossi, A. Motta, C. Bisaglia, A. Bragaglio. - In: ANIMALS. - ISSN 2076-2615. - 13:21(2023), pp. 3382.1-3382.19. [10.3390/ani13213382]
Abstract:
Automation reduces the impact of farming on climate change and helps farmers adapt to
its financial impact. Automatic feeding systems (AFSs) increase the ruminant’s feeding precision
and ease operators’ workload. Such systems exist on a spectrum, requiring varied levels of operator
support and installation complexity. A recent survey on farmers pointed out that those already
running an AFS and those willing to buy one appreciate its ease of use, the resulting animal welfare,
and the resulting overall benefits (increased production, farm profitability, and reduced feed waste).
Whether technologically complex or not, studies have confirmed the benefits that farmers perceive to
be underlying the remarkable reduction in the environmental impact of feeding operations (AFSs
are electrically powered), the increase in animal welfare resulting from reduced conflicts around
accessing the feed bunk, and the constant availability of fresh feed. However, their introduction
should follow accurate and holistic structural and economic planning for existing and newly built
facilities. The availability of public subsidies plays an essential role in pushing farmers to adopt the
most modern digital technologies, whose benefits may even increase when farmers couple them with
interconnected sensors to monitor animals’ physiological states.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
total mixed ration; TMR; AFS; automation; beef; dairy; ruminants
Elenco autori:
E. Romano, M. Brambilla, M. Cutini, S. Giovinazzo, A. Lazzari, A. Calcante, F.M. Tangorra, P. Rossi, A. Motta, C. Bisaglia, A. Bragaglio
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