Dr. Joao Costa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and a Food Systems Research Center Faculty Fellow. In this video, he discusses his research into how data can improve efficiency on dairy farms. Traditionally, farms have used simple data for decision-making, such as milk production metrics. However, newer approaches involve more sophisticated biometric data, akin to "Fitbits for cows", tracking metrics like steps, eating habits, and milking patterns. By monitoring and integrating this detailed data, farmers can make more informed decisions, such as identifying health issues when a cow's behavior deviates from the norm. Costa highlights the importance of data integration within the broader food system, involving not just farmers but also veterinarians, nutritionists, and consultants. The ultimate goal is to advance the dairy industry by fostering technology adoption and data-driven decision-making at the farm level.
About the FSRC:
The ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Food Systems Research Center (FSRC) is the first USDA-funded research center to study the interconnectedness of all parts of a regional food system, from farm practices to food access. They work to uncover solutions to pressing issues through the lens of food and farming. As pioneers in USDA-funded research, the FSRC is at the forefront of discovering how what’s on our plate affects our society and the planet.
