Keynote speech 2: data-driven machine learning precision livestock farming technologies and applications

Summary form only given. The complete presentation was not made available for publication as part of the conference proceedings. The paper details the features of a platform that implements PLF management strategies for the dairy industry. The platform elements comprise robust, high node count sensor networks gathering data from individual animals and a cloud based software environment that manages on-farm data and pro-actively alerts the farmer, real time, of key operational and management interventions. The principle is that if the needs of animals at the individual level are properly defined and met, then the needs of farmers and downstream stakeholders including consumers follow. The more precisely that needs are met, the less waste there is in the system, resulting in greater economic and environmental benefits. In turn, the creation of new business models based on provisioning a range of services to livestock farmers becomes possible, promoting the easy uptake of technology to all in the supply chain. The platform is scalable in terms of handling multiple data streams, able to manage farms increasing in size including hybrid environments and support remote farms harnessing the growth of the connected world. The platform captures data from cows located in different areas, collates this information, and presents it to a mix including the farmers/herdsmen, veterinarians, feed specialists over various mediums, such as smartphone, home computer or within the parlor.