Harnessing the Power of Precision Technologies and Artificial Intelligence in Animal Reproduction: Devising Modern Solutions for Age Old Problems

The use of technology in agriculture has revolutionised farming practices globally over the last decade. As the world moves further toward the use of technology and artificial intelligence in medical science and other disciplines, so too does the need to modernise farming and breeding practices for improved productivity, efficiency and conservation. While precision technologies and artificial intelligence is rapidly being adopted in cropping and pasture programs, livestock production and breeding programs across most production species is still in its infancy. An ever-increasing global population will drive livestock production and breeding industries to develop much needed precision technologies and harness the power of artificial intelligence for real-time animal monitoring to improve animal health and welfare, increase farm productivity and profitability, and improve the sustainability of the livestock industries globally. Conservation programs are also set to benefit from the adoption of precision technologies, which will aid in breeding programs for ecologically important and endangered species.

The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight the importance and relevance of technological advancements in animal reproduction, with the aim of providing livestock producers, veterinarians, conservationists and researchers with the knowledge and confidence to explore the practicalities of precision technologies to improve reproductive outcomes, providing an avenue for evidence-based decision making in livestock and wildlife breeding programs. We are calling on researchers with experience and expertise in the development or use of digital technology or artificial intelligence in animal biology, animal physiology, veterinary medicine or veterinary management to submit your recent work in consideration for publication in this Research Topic, but with a focus on animal reproduction and fertility. We also encourage research that focuses on population level species monitoring with links to animal reproductive biology and physiology, including but not limited to investigations into seasonal breeding of exotic species and species of conservation significance. We welcome the submission of B and C Type research papers including, but not limited to, mini reviews, general commentary, perspectives and case reports pertaining to the use of precision technologies in animal reproduction.

This Research Topic aims to explore the use of precision technologies and artificial intelligence in animal reproduction with a specific focus on livestock and wildlife reproduction. The topic seeks to provide the most up-to-date technological advancements in use or those proposed to be of immense benefit to livestock and conservation breeding programs. To expand our knowledge and understanding of the role of precision technologies and artificial intelligence in animal reproduction, contributions are encouraged for, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Breeding selection

• Control of reproduction

• Reproductive physiology

• Oestrus detection

• Pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring

• Parturition

• Assisted reproductive technologies

Keywords: precision technology, artificial intelligence, livestock, wildlife, reproduction

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.