© Vranken and Berckmans. It was demonstrated that laboratory-developed precision livestock farming (PLF) tools can be fully operational on farms and can bring value to the farmers and other stakeholders in the production chains. In the PLF concept, the animal is used as a sensor, and algorithms translate the measured animal responses into key indicators for optimal performance, improved animal welfare, and farm sustainability. In a further development phase, PLF applications assist farmers in taking their daily management decisions and generate early warnings when something is going wrong in the production process. Attention must be paid to adequate training of farmers and the further integration of PLF system in operational management systems.

sponsorship: This paper is based upon experience from and research within the EU-PLF project. This project has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no. 311825. (European Union|311825)