Livestock technology and rational management improve Brazilian farming efficiency

Technological and behavioral advancements are transforming livestock production in Brazil, focusing on animal welfare and precision nutrition to increase profitability.

Rational cattle management emphasizes understanding animal behavior to reduce stress. By using calm gestures and utilizing animals' blind spots rather than aggressive methods, producers can prevent defensive reactions like kicking or fleeing. Reducing stress is critical for health, as high cortisol levels can compromise immune systems, lower milk production, and reduce weight gain.

In both cattle and swine farming, artificial intelligence and precision nutrition are being implemented to optimize feeding. Tools such as sensors, cameras, and microphones allow producers to monitor consumption, weight, and movement in real time. These technologies help identify nutritional or sanitary issues early by detecting subtle changes in behavior or consumption patterns.

In swine production, where feed can represent up to 63% of production costs in regions like Santa Catarina, these precision tools help avoid both nutrient deficiencies and excessive ingredient use. In cattle feedlots, systems integrate zootechnical and economic data to simulate optimal feed combinations based on dry matter consumption and ingredient prices.