Energy-saving and low-emission livestock buildings in the concept of a smart farming

Smart farming is about managing a farm using modern information and communication techniques in order to increase the efficiency and quality of plant and animal production and to optimise human labour inputs. It is an inseparable part of a sustainable agricultural economy, where energy-saving and low-emission solutions are of particular importance, e.g. in livestock construction. Animal buildings are one of the main building elements of a farm. The paper presents the use of modern solutions that may result in lower energy consumption, and thus lower operating costs of the building. They also reduce the consumption of natural resources and the emission of pollutants, and ensure animal welfare and safety of the operators’ work. Rational use of energy depends, among others, on from the used insulation materials for the construction of livestock buildings, technical equipment, i.e. lighting, heating, ventilation, as well as zootechnical devices. The profitability of livestock production can also be supported by the use of solar, wind, water and biomass energy. Photovoltaic cells, solar collectors, wind turbines, heat pumps and agricultural biogas plants are used for this purpose.