Integrating Biomarkers, Sensor Technologies and Data-Driven Approaches for Early Disease Detection and Welfare Assessment in Dairy and Beef Cattle

Advances in precision livestock farming are transforming the way health and welfare are monitored in cattle production systems. Increasing availability of biological markers, wearable sensors, and automated monitoring technologies offer new opportunities for early detection of disease, objective welfare assessment, and improved management decisions. However, translating these technologies into practical and reliable tools for on-farm use remains a major challenge. Integrating physiological and metabolic biomarkers with sensor-derived data may significantly improve the sensitivity and specificity of health monitoring systems. In both dairy and beef production systems, early identification of metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and stress responses is essential for improving animal welfare, reducing economic losses, and supporting sustainable livestock production. Interdisciplinary collaboration between veterinarians, animal scientists, and data specialists is therefore essential to advance precision health management in cattle.The goal of this Research Topic is to advance the understanding and practical application of integrated approaches for early disease detection and welfare assessment in dairy and beef cattle. Despite rapid technological progress in precision livestock farming, the translation of biomarkers and sensor-based monitoring systems into reliable tools for routine farm use remains limited. Early identification of health disturbances, metabolic imbalances, infectious diseases, and stress responses is essential for improving animal welfare, reducing economic losses, and supporting sustainable cattle production systems.This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between biological research and practical livestock management by promoting studies that combine physiological and metabolic biomarkers with modern monitoring technologies and data-driven analytical approaches. By bringing together research on biomarkers, sensor technologies, and applied on-farm validation, the topic seeks to improve the accuracy, reliability, and practical relevance of health monitoring systems in modern cattle production.We welcome original research articles and review papers addressing innovative approaches for monitoring health and welfare in dairy and beef cattle. We encourage submissions focusing on the identification and validation of biomarkers related to metabolic disorders, inflammatory processes, stress physiology, and disease development.In addition, studies investigating wearable sensors, automated monitoring systems, and precision livestock technologies are particularly encouraged. Contributions integrating biological indicators with sensor-derived data and data-driven analytical approaches are of special interest. Research conducted under commercial farm conditions, validation studies of monitoring systems, and interdisciplinary approaches linking veterinary medicine, animal science, and data analysis are highly welcome.Manuscripts addressing early disease detection, treatment monitoring, welfare assessment, calf health development, and precision health management in cattle production systems are particularly encouraged. Topic editors: Dovile Malašauskiene, Walter Baumgartner, Arūnas Rutkauskas, Mindaugas Televičius Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83961/integrating-biomarkers-sensor-technologies-and-data-driven-approaches-for-early-disease-detection-and-welfare-assessment-in-dairy-and-beef-cattle