Digitalization is transforming the agri-livestock sector, and one of the most disruptive innovations is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for early disease prediction in livestock.
Traditionally, farmers detected diseases only when symptoms became visible: loss of appetite, reduced milk production, fever, or abnormal behavior. At that point, treatment was more expensive and the risk of contagion was high.
Today, thanks to sensors and intelligent data analysis, it is possible to anticipate these issues. Current systems continuously monitor variables such as:
Body temperature and heart rate via smart collars or subcutaneous chips.
Activity and movement through accelerometers, detecting if an animal moves less than usual.
Food and water intake, recording abnormal consumption patterns.
Environmental conditions (humidity, temperature, air quality in barns).
All this data is sent in real time to management platforms that use AI algorithms to detect abnormal patterns. This allows the identification of early signs of disease even days before visible symptoms appear.
Practical examples of AI applied to livestock farming:
A dairy farm uses sensor-equipped collars to monitor cows. When the system detects a drop in movement and feed intake, it automatically alerts the farmer and veterinarian, preventing the spread of infections.
Livestock cooperatives use environmental sensors connected to AI to prevent respiratory issues in calves, proactively adjusting ventilation and temperature in barns.
Strategic benefits:
Prevention and savings: reducing veterinary costs and economic losses.
Animal welfare: early intervention reduces suffering and mortality.
Productivity: maintaining high levels of milk and meat production by avoiding outbreaks.
Competitiveness and sustainability: applying technology that improves efficiency and reduces indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
At DIGIS3, the European Digital Innovation Hub of Castilla y León, we help SMEs and cooperatives in the agri-livestock sector integrate these digital solutions by providing training, consultancy, and access to European funding programs.