May the Extensive Farming System of Small Ruminants Be Smart?

Rosanna Paolino (), Adriana Di Trana, Adele Coppola, Emilio Sabia, Amelia Maria Riviezzi, Luca Vignozzi, Salvatore Claps, Pasquale Caparra, Corrado Pacelli and Ada Braghieri
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Rosanna Paolino: Department of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Adriana Di Trana: Department of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Adele Coppola: Department of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Emilio Sabia: Department of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Amelia Maria Riviezzi: Department of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Luca Vignozzi: Department of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Salvatore Claps: Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 85051 Bella-Muro, Italy
Pasquale Caparra: Department of Agriculture, Animal Production, University of Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
Corrado Pacelli: Department of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Ada Braghieri: Department of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 9, 1-18

Abstract: Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) applies a complex of sensor technology, algorithms, and multiple tools for individual, real-time livestock monitoring. In intensive livestock systems, PLF is now quite widespread, allowing for the optimisation of management, thanks to the early recognition of diseases and the possibility of monitoring animals’ feeding and reproductive behaviour, with an overall improvement of their welfare. Similarly, PLF systems represent an opportunity to improve the profitability and sustainability of extensive farming systems, including those of small ruminants, rationalising the use of pastures by avoiding overgrazing and controlling animals. Despite the livestock distribution in several parts of the world, the low profit and the relatively high cost of the devices cause delays in implementing PLF systems in small ruminants compared to those in dairy cows. Applying these tools to animals in extensive systems requires customisation compared to their use in intensive systems. In many cases, the unit prices of sensors for small ruminants are higher than those developed for large animals due to miniaturisation and higher production costs associated with lower production numbers. Sheep and goat farms are often in mountainous and remote areas with poor technological infrastructure and ineffective electricity, telephone, and internet services. Moreover, small ruminant farming is usually associated with advanced age in farmers, contributing to poor local initiatives and delays in PLF implementation. A targeted literature analysis was carried out to identify technologies already applied or at an advanced stage of development for the management of grazing animals, particularly sheep and goats, and their effects on nutrition, production, and animal welfare. The current technological developments include wearable, non-wearable, and network technologies. The review of the technologies involved and the main fields of application can help identify the most suitable systems for managing grazing sheep and goats and contribute to selecting more sustainable and efficient solutions in line with current environmental and welfare concerns.

Keywords: sheep; goat; extensive system; Precision Livestock Farming (PLF); sensor (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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