OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 20-Jan-2026 | Pages: 67-73 | Doi : 10.37446/edibook202024/67-73
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics into animal husbandry represents a revolutionary advancement in precision farming, promising to enhance productivity, welfare, and sustainability in livestock management. However, several critical challenges hinder widespread adoption. This chapter discusses the multidimensional constraints affecting the adoption and integration of AI and robotics in animal health systems. Chief among these are data accuracy and sensor calibration issues, which compromise reliability, especially in environments where recalibration or maintenance may not be easily performed. Sensor discomfort and hardware limitations further affect animal behaviour and the integrity of collected data. Privacy, data ownership, and cyber security are becoming vital concerns with increased digitization, particularly given the sensitive nature of biological and operational farm data. The ethical implications of AI-based surveillance and automation in animal care are also examined, including potential objectification of animals and the loss of farmer-animal relationships. High costs of intelligent sensor systems and limited scalability exacerbated by reliance on imported components pose economic hurdles for smallholders. Furthermore, difficulties in integrating these technologies with existing farm infrastructure, combined with gaps in farmer education and training, impede adoption. The chapter also highlights the need for robust regulatory frameworks, indigenous innovation, and inclusive technology dissemination. Finally, it explores emerging trends such as AI-powered predictive analytics and autonomous veterinary systems, envisioning a future where technology augments not replace humane and efficient livestock care. These innovations, if made accessible and ethically applied, could shape the future of sustainable, data-driven animal agriculture.
Animal husbandry, Artificial intelligence, Data privacy, Ethical concerns, Precision livestock farming, Robotics, Sensor calibration
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