Using Digital Technology to Reduce the Carbon Footprint in Livestock Production

Abstract

AbstractAt present, it is generally recognized that the livestock industry has a negative impact on the environment, including, first of all, the soil, as well as water and air. This impact increases with the development of industrial production of livestock and poultry products. Environmental pollution risks from livestock production are associated with the disposal of manure and litter, as well as greenhouse gas emissions throughout the production cycle. One of the main objectives of modern livestock production is to reduce emissions. Cattle breeding is one of the most important branches of agriculture, which serves as the basis of food security of the country. Therefore, the aim of the article is to improve production processes in livestock farming using digital technologies in order to reduce harmful effects. In this regard, we propose a model of digital management of livestock production, which is a set of certain digital systems based on geoinformation technologies. Digital systems cover all technological stages of breeding, care and fattening, and production. These systems include: reproduction, animal identification, microclimate, feeding, veterinary, waste, and product control. The use of drones, robotic systems, sensors is beneficial both economically and in terms of reducing the carbon footprint in livestock production. Proper waste management (manure, straw litter) has a positive impact on the state of the surrounding ecosystem. The article proposes to develop a digital system to regulate the processes of production of animal feed, taking into account the requirements of world environmental standards.KeywordsAgricultural studyLivestock productionCarbon footprintDigital technology