Sensors for environmental welfare assessment in Spanish dairy sheep and goat farms

Sensors monitored environmental conditions on 12 large-scale dairy sheep and goat farms in Spain’s Castilla y León and Catalonia. Data from indoor and outdoor sensors measuring temperature-humidity, air quality, and bedding humidity were transmitted every 5 minutes via Wi-Fi to the Ecowiti platform. The system showed high reliability (83% overall assessment, 4–17% failure rate). Thermo-hygrometric index (THI) analysis revealed internal THI values exceeded external ones, converging at heat stress levels (THI > 65). THI above 60 negatively impacted conception rates (40% variation explained), while THI > 65 correlated with increased mortality in lactating ewes (55% variation explained). A negative correlation between THI and milk yield was found, with THI explaining 30% of production decline. The system effectively identified climate risks, especially in summer and winter, supporting timely interventions to protect animal welfare and productivity.