Development of a Framework for Implementing ΙoΤ-Α on the Beef Cattle Value Chain

Abstract

AbstractThe implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm on the beef cattle value chain can improve decision-making, reduce quality losses, improve animal welfare, and better fulfill customer demands. However, few frameworks consider the specific aspects of the agri-food value chains. Also, none of the available frameworks meets the requirements of these value chains. This chapter will thoroughly describe this value chain considering its main stages, stakeholders, processes, and the informational flow. In sequence, the requirements and services needed for implementing IoT are described, containing nine main services and 31 sub-services or activities. Then, a domain model based on the IoT-A framework is developed. The model comprises the main users, physical entities and services for the beef cattle domain, and their interaction and information exchange. The main components of this domain model are described, and important topics related to the implementation are discussed. The methodology used and the analysis conducted can be applied to other agricultural value chains. This work sets the ground requirements for the future development of a framework for Smart Beef Cattle Services. These can also be used for developing a more general Smart Livestock Farming framework. Farm management research may benefit from the resulting requirements, using it to build services and architectures for a panorama of further automation and autonomous operations of the farms and agricultural supply chains.KeywordsAgribusinessFarm management systemsIoTIoT-ASmart livestock farmingValue chain