The objective of the project is to develop, test and enter into operation a “Thorough system for electronic counting and tracking of small ruminants via electronic marker”. The implementation of the system will enhance labour performance through effective use of the natural resources available by utilizing the pastures in a regular and systematic way. Economic efficiency will be increased by saving on manpower that can be transferred to other production purposes and by maximum use by the animals of the natural resources.
Scientific research and development activities directly aimed at the implementation of the project have been carried out jointly with 12 scientists: physiologists, engineers and applied researchers, who ensure the supervision of the software provision, mechanical design, etc. Three experts of the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Association are involved in the administrative and technical implementation. The working area for on-site monitoring and conducting of tests on animals has been provided by eleven farms.
Some adverse situations that are encountered and can be addressed by the introduction of the Digital Shepherd are: the resolution of the shortage of skilled workers; regulated use of pastures with a view to their systematic use and rapid recovery of grass vegetation; maintenance of ecosystems; increase in productivity and economic efficiency of labour in small ruminant farming; animal welfare. There are obstacles to quality tracking and supervision of grazing animals at present. The system will solve the problem of long and costly grouping and checking of livestock. In addition, it can be used to locate lost animals and track the status of the herd at any time. This is an extremely useful approach that saves time and stress for both stock and herders. Obstacles that may arise during the implementation of the project can be the purely technological delays in the organization of the placement of the so-called electronic ear tags or the untimely initiative on the part of the farms or force majeure circumstances hindering the creation of the digital product.
Once the system is implemented on farms, farmers will be facilitated to a large extent to set up larger farms. The fact that the need to hire labour will be minimized will allow for an increase of farms capabilities, their capacity and economic gains. Farmers will not be dependent on labour that is hard to find on the market, thus costs will be reduced. Pasture-based livestock farming will be attractive when climatic conditions allow, which in turn will lead to an increase in the performance of grassland as a natural carbon sink. This is a good opportunity for a better, quality and healthier lifestyle for the people who will consume products from pasture-raised animals. It will be significantly easier for farmers to count and identify individual animals and to submit reference information to authorities exercising control and inspections. The system will allow remote reading of the identification device thus animals’ wellbeing will improve as people will not need to enter the herd /especially during the pregnancy period/. The project’s ambition is to enable the monitoring of animals’ physiological indicators such as their pulse, blood pressure, biometric data, etc. through that system thus assisting farmers in tending their herds.