Geospatial innovations in livestock farming: Enhancing animal husbandry through GPS and remote sensing technologies

Abstract

Livestock farming in South Asia, including Sri Lanka, is vital for food security, rural livelihoods and economic stability. However, it faces escalating challenges such as climate variability, land degradation and disease outbreaks, leading to notable declines in global livestock productivity and resource efficiency. Traditional animal husbandry methods often lack precision, contributing to unsustainable practices and lower outputs. This study explores the integration of Global Positioning System (GPS) and remote sensing technologies to establish a sustainable framework for livestock management. The applied research methodology highlights a mixed-methods approach applied across varied agro-ecological zones, incorporating satellite imagery, GPS-based animal tracking and spatial analysis of grazing patterns, water access, vegetation coverage and land use trends. Analysis revealed strong links between livestock well-being and proximity to water sources and vegetation-rich areas, while movement data highlighted optimal grazing routes. Remote sensing also enabled early identification of overgrazed zones and potential disease-risk areas, supporting targeted interventions such as rotational grazing and stress mitigation strategies. These findings demonstrate how geospatial tools can support evidence based decision-making, enhance resource allocation and improve animal welfare by reducing environmental impact. By applying geospatial analysis, livestock systems can shift toward precision farming models that are both economically and ecologically sustainable. The study underscores the importance of adopting digital tools in animal husbandry to boost productivity and resilience. Policymakers and stakeholders are encouraged to invest in affordable geospatial technologies, capacity building and open-access data systems to scale these innovations across rural livestock communities. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital agriculture and highlights the transformative potential of geospatial innovation in fostering resilient and data-driven livestock farming systems.