Innovations in sustainable animal production
Keywords:
sustainable animal production, livestock innovation, precision livestock farming, sustainability, climate change, animal welfare.Abstract
Animal production plays a strategic role in food security, economic development, and the livelihoods of millions of people; however, it faces growing challenges related to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, the efficient use of natural resources, animal welfare, and the need to meet a constantly changing global demand for food. The objective of this article was to systematically analyse the main innovations aimed at sustainable animal production, identifying their applications, benefits, challenges, and future trends. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines through the analysis of scientific publications and specialised institutional documents. The evidence examined shows a growing incorporation of precision livestock farming, artificial intelligence, smart sensors, digital monitoring systems, sustainable feeding strategies, regenerative pasture management, efficient water and manure management, improved animal health and welfare, and production models aimed at reducing emissions. The results show that livestock sustainability requires the integration of technological innovation, production efficiency, environmental conservation, and animal welfare. However, barriers remain regarding technological costs, connectivity, training, unequal access to innovations, and the need to develop policies adapted to different production contexts. It is concluded that sustainable innovations offer significant opportunities to strengthen the productivity, resilience, and climate adaptation of livestock systems; however, their consolidation requires interdisciplinary research, public policies, financing, institutional cooperation, and the active participation of producers.
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