Adoption of precision livestock farming devices in the dairy cattle sector: An assessment based on agroeconomic modelling
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the potential adoption of pedometers as a Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technology in Italian dairy cattle farms, using data from the Italian Farm Accountancy Data Network (year 2021). 1 1 Source: https://rica.crea.gov.it/ Two types of pedometers - market-available and prototypal stand-alone (SA) - were evaluated through simulations performed with the AGRITALIM agroeconomic model. Results indicate that adoption rates relevantly increase as the cost of investment needed reduces, up to exceeding 50 % of the sample farms in the case of SA pedometers. Moreover, adoption is higher in large, intensive farms located in plains, while those in mountainous and hilly areas face challenges related to infrastructure and cost-effectiveness of the investments. These findings highlight the importance of context-specific support mechanisms within Common Agricultural Policy measures to facilitate PLF adoption in diverse farming conditions and to increase the number of livestock farms engaged in climate change mitigation and adaptation actions. • Farmers' decision to adopt PLF depends on the potential benefits they achieve • Altimetric context adds an additional layer of complexity to PLF adoption decisions • Structural and altimetric barriers influence perceived ease of use • The adoption rate of PLF devices gradually increases with costs reduction • EU can promote an equitable digital transition across diverse farming landscapes
Authors: D. Dell'Unto, R. Selvaggi, G. Pappalardo, R. Cortignani
Institutions: Università degli Studi della Tuscia, University of Catania
Language: English
Topic: Smart Agriculture and AI
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,250
Funder: European Commission
OpenAlex ID: W4414523003