Opportunities and challenges

The JRC conducted a study on how biologging (electronic devices recording movement, behaviour, and physiology) can enhance livestock identification and traceability under EU law, reviewing scientific literature and commercial products. Biologging devices, by providing real-time information on animal location, activity and phisyology could benefit the livestock sector, particularly Precision Livestock Extensive Farming (PLEF) and pastoralism. They could enable, for example, disease‑hotspot mapping, the assessment of grazing‑pressure on grassland and biodiversity, virtual fencing, cross‑border traceability, early illness alerts, automated animal “self‑check‑in” and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies verification. The findings show that the market already provides mature, electronic ear‑mounted tags that integrate Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or Internet of Things (IoT)‑based location, accelerometry and optional physiological senssors, that meet EU Regulation 2019/2035 for cattle, pigs and adult sheep. There are still barriers that could potentially prevent the effective uptake of these technologies at the EU level. These include technical issues such as data transmission and management, sensor miniaturisation and integration with TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) and IACS (Integrated Administration and Control System), financial issues such as the cost per tag unit, and organisational issues such as compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and uptake by farmers. The study suggests possible solutions, including building on the work of existing EU initiatives and projects.

URBANO Ferdinando;  CAGNACCI Francesca; 

2026-07-17

European Commission

JRC146420

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC146420,