TECHNOLOGY 70 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2025 “Together, precision farming and biotechnology are redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable animal nutrition. By marrying real-time data with innovative feed inputs, the industry is creating a smarter food system—one where animals are nourished more efficiently, waste is minimised, and ecological impact is kept in check.” As agriculture faces pressure to meet global food demands sustainably, precision farming and biotechnology are transforming animal nutrition. These innovations reduce environmental impact, boost feed efficiency, and improve animal health—revolutionising how we nourish livestock in a resource-constrained world. PRECISION FARMING: TAILORING NUTRITION IN REAL TIME Precision farming integrates advanced technologies—data analytics, automation, sensors, and machine learning—to manage livestock nutrition with extraordinary accuracy. Rather than relying on broad averages or fixed feeding schedules, precision nutrition ensures each animal receives exactly the nutrients it needs based on its physiological condition, behaviour, and environment. Smart Feeding Systems and Automated Dispensers One of the most impactful applications is the use of automated feeding systems that track each animal’s weight, activity, growth rate, and dietary intake. These systems use embedded AI and sensor technology to customise rations dynamically. For example, high-producing dairy cows can be provided with more energy-dense rations, while less active or lower-producing animals receive lighter diets. This reduces feed waste, prevents overfeeding, and lowers nitrogen excretion—minimising environmental impact and improving animal health. Automated systems also reduce the labour burden on farmers, standardise feeding accuracy, and enable 24/7 adjustments that respond to real-time data, improving efficiency and consistency across the herd. IoT Sensors And Real-Time Monitoring Precision farming thrives on real-time, farm-level intelligence. Internet of Things (IoT) devices—deployed in feeding troughs, barns, and even attached to animals—track environmental and nutritional variables such as: • Feed quality and moisture, • Animal behaviour and eating patterns, PRECISION FARMING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY Joe Hugill Associate Director – Animal Health Skills Alliance
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