Statistical control charts as a support tool for the management of livestock production

Abstract

SUMMARYThe concepts of control charts, an important tool in statistical process control, are commonly used for monitoring industrial production processes. In the context of precision livestock farming, their use has been demonstrated by many, although the statistical properties of livestock process data often do not comply with the basic assumptions of such control charts. The focus of the current review is on the most important aspects, recommendations, pitfalls and opportunities for the development and performance of control charts on livestock process data. An important hurdle to tackle is the statistical characteristics of the raw livestock process data which are mostly violating the control charts’ assumptions. An integrated approach, like synergistic control, appears to be promising in handling this issue. The availability of real-time on-farm validation of proposed systems will be crucial for lifting them from the potential level to direct practical relevance.