Preliminary results of environmental sustainability assessment of dairy farm equipped with PLF systems: a case study

This study investigates the environmental sustainability of a dairy farm in Emilia Romagna, Italy, equipped with Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies. The research compares the environmental impact of milk production before and after the installation of automatic milking systems (AMS). The evaluation considers various environmental indicators to assess the sustainability performance of the dairy operation. The methodology involves collecting data on resource consumption, waste generation, and emissions associated with milk production in both scenarios. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is utilized to measure the environmental impacts throughout the entire lifecycle of milk production, from feed cultivation to milk processing. Preliminary findings suggest that adopting the AMS has the potential to improve environmental sustainability metrics compared to conventional milking practices. The reduction in labour requirements and optimized milking schedules contribute to lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions per litre of milk. However, the installation and maintenance of robotic systems introduce additional energy and material inputs, which must be carefully evaluated to guarantee overall sustainability advantages. Furthermore, the study also investigates the broader implications of adopting PLF technologies on both farm management practices and animal welfare within dairy barns. By examining multiple dimensions of sustainability, this research aims to provide insights into the consequences and opportunities associated with transitioning to more technologically advanced dairy production systems. The results of this study are expected to inform policymakers, dairy farmers, and stakeholders about the potential environmental benefits and challenges of integrating PLF technologies into dairy farming operations. Ultimately, supporting sustainable practices in dairy production is critical for mitigating environmental impacts and guaranteeing the long-term viability of the agricultural sector.