Research Article
Exploring the Effects of Precision Livestock Farming Notification Mechanisms on Canadian Dairy Farmers
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-031-06371-8_16, author={Muhammad Muhaiminul Islam and Stacey D. Scott}, title={Exploring the Effects of Precision Livestock Farming Notification Mechanisms on Canadian Dairy Farmers}, proceedings={Science and Technologies for Smart Cities. 7th EAI International Conference, SmartCity360°, Virtual Event, December 2-4, 2021, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={SMARTCITY}, year={2022}, month={6}, keywords={Precision livestock farming (PLF) technology Notification mechanisms Impact of PLF on dairy farmers Farmers’ mental workload}, doi={10.1007/978-3-031-06371-8_16} }- Muhammad Muhaiminul Islam
Stacey D. Scott
Year: 2022
Exploring the Effects of Precision Livestock Farming Notification Mechanisms on Canadian Dairy Farmers
SMARTCITY
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06371-8_16
Abstract
Modern dairy farms are increasingly adopting technologies to monitor animal health and welfare and send notifications to farmers when issues arise. Theseprecision livestock farming (PLF)technologies promise increased animal health and farm productivity. Yet, few studies exist on the effects of these technologies on those who use them. Studies from Europe show the 24/7 nature of potential PLF notifications can make farmers feel always “on call”, increasing their overall stress levels. An initial online survey of 18 Canadian dairy farmers was conducted to explore their experiences with PLF notifications. Reported benefits of PLF technologies include improved animal health and dairy products, labor benefits, and ease of data collection. The study also uncovered weaknesses of PLF notifications, including information uncertainty and overload, false alerts, inappropriate timing and communication mediums. Design recommendations are presented to improve PLF notification mechanisms.
