Dataflows and determinants of automated data collection among progressive German livestock farms

Abstract:: The current study investigated the dataflows in the livestock sector, focusing on broiler fattening, pig fattening and dairy farming in Germany. Based on a standardized and anonymized online survey, the study identified the data items collected during the respective production cycles, along with the collection methods, ranging from mostly manual collection to partially- or mostly automated collection. Additionally, the relevant stakeholders with whom these data are shared were distinguished. Government agencies, stock veterinarians and quality controllers emerged as the most important ones. The study further explored the determinants of automation in data collection. The analysis revealed that farm specialization significantly increases the likelihood of adopting data collection automation in broiler and pig fattening. In contrast, this relationship was not evident in dairy farming, where automation is more widespread and often accompanied by greater operational diversification through on-farm feed production.