Dairy 4.0: Intelligent Communication Ecosystem for the Cattle Animal Welfare with Blockchain and IoT Enabled Technologies

Abstract

An intelligent ecosystem with real-time wireless technology is now playing a key role in meeting the sustainability requirements set by the United Nations. Dairy cattle are a major source of milk production all over the world. To meet the food demand of the growing population with maximum productivity, it is necessary for dairy farmers to adopt real-time monitoring technologies. In this study, we will be exploring and assimilating the limitless possibilities for technological interventions in dairy cattle to drastically improve their ecosystem. Intelligent systems for sensing, monitoring, and methods for analysis to be used in applications such as animal health monitoring, animal location tracking, milk quality, and supply chain, feed monitoring and safety, etc., have been discussed briefly. Furthermore, generalized architecture has been proposed that can be directly applied in the future for breakthroughs in research and development linked to data gathering and the processing of applications through edge devices, robots, drones, and blockchain for building intelligent ecosystems. In addition, the article discusses the possibilities and challenges of implementing previous techniques for different activities in dairy cattle. High computing power-based wearable devices, renewable energy harvesting, drone-based furious animal attack detection, and blockchain with IoT assisted systems for the milk supply chain are the vital recommendations addressed in this study for the effective implementation of the intelligent ecosystem in dairy cattle.

Advancements in artificial intelligence technology for improving animal welfare: Current applications and research progress

“…(C) AI interprets the limb movements of horses through visual images to distinguish between healthy and lame horses [20]. (D) An intelligent ecosystem combining technologies such as smart systems, Internet of Things, and blockchain is implemented to promote the dairy industry and improve animal welfare [9].…”

“…Gehlot et al. have explored the potential of AI technology to significantly enhance animal welfare in dairy cows (Figure 3D) [9]. They have discussed intelligent systems that incorporate sensory, monitoring, and analytical techniques for diverse applications, including animal health monitoring, animal tracking, milk quality and supply chain, feed monitoring, and safety.…”

“…One of the most promising and ethically significant applications of AI is its integration into the realm of animal welfare [8]. By leveraging AI technologies, we have the opportunity to revolutionize the monitoring, management, and enhancement of animal lives across various contexts [9].…”

Milking Welfare: Bovis Sacer and the Inclusive Thanatopolitics of the Dairy Farm

“…This shift demonstrates the paradoxical "win-win" scenario sought by the industry, a situation in which high yields coincide with high animal welfare, the achievement of which is a key argument for the implementation of various agricultural technologies like sensors, robotics, and genetic modification (Twine 2010). Agricultural technologies have thus been experienced and represented as an example of modern efficiency with the capacity to enhance productivity and welfare (AEM 2021;Gehlot et al 2022;Holloway et al 2014). Given this contradiction, the question emerges of how contemporary dairy farming technologies shape the domination and exploitation of cows by forming their political subjectivity.…”

“…Agricultural technologies have thus been experienced and represented as an example of modern efficiency with the capacity to enhance productivity and welfare (AEM 2021; Gehlot et al. 2022; Holloway et al. 2014).…”