The role of artificial intelligence in livestock farming for improved animal health and productivity: opportunities, challenges, and future research direction
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Date
2026-05-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology
Abstract
Livestock farming is a growing sector globally, and it makes a big contribution to
GDP and food security. In Sub-Saharan countries such as Tanzania, livestock
farming is used as a means of poverty eradication in some communities, but it
requires a lot of manpower, time, and material resources to monitor animal health
and welfare. As the number of animal farming enterprises increases, the continued
use of traditional livestock monitoring methods may reduce economic outputs and
the welfare of animals; thus, farmers are opting for ICT solutions to mitigate this.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are used to revolutionise how
livestock is managed and monitored. Machine learning algorithms are an integral
part of precision livestock farming. Farmers can use it to streamline the monitoring
of animal behaviour and welfare, predict disease outbreaks, and optimise feeding
schedules. This paper aims to assess the role of artificial intelligence technology
in animal husbandry to improve animal one health and production. We conducted
a systematic literature review from relevant databases. Finding studies showed
that AI has a great role in animal husbandry. The studies revealed that AI
technology has various uses like health monitoring, reproduction monitoring
(oestrus and parturition and pedigree), real-time data collection, automated
milking, location tracking, and identification of animals, hence theft prevention,
detection of animal parameters, Hatchery condition detection, reducing workload,
pasture evaluation, and grazing management. To conclude, we propose an
artificial intelligence– based framework for monitoring livestock and increasing
animal productivity and sustainability in Tanzania.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Smart Farming, Livestock Farming, Animal Production, Animal Health, Tanzania
Citation
Barakabitze, A. A. & Sanga, C. (2026). The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Livestock Farming for Improved Animal Health and Productivity: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Research Directions. East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 9(2), 62-87. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.9.2.4957