TWIN4MILK Operational Group: Interoperable platform for the design, validation and exploitation of digital twins in dairy cattle farming using explainable artificial intelligence

R1 – Genetic characterization of dairy cattle farms (OE1) The collection and analysis of 10,000 individual genetic records from 50 representative farms will be carried out (FV1.1), generating a structured genetic database segmented into 4 farm profiles according to genetic type (FV1.3). As a result, a technical report on genetic sampling and analysis, an anonymized digital database with the analyzed records, and a genetic segmentation report with classification criteria and a graphical representation of the results will be obtained.

R2 – Feed Characterization and Nutritional Control (OE1) Nutritional data will be collected and analyzed from 50 pilot farms, including ration composition and feeding frequency (FV2.1). This will allow for the definition of a segmented typology of 20 feed strategies differentiated by area, size, and production model (FV2.3). Deliverables include a technical feed characterization report, a structured digital database, and a nutritional segmentation report with multivariate analysis and results visualization.

R3 – Socioeconomic, organizational, and productive characterization of livestock farms (OE1) Structured information will be collected from 50 livestock farms using a comprehensive and validated questionnaire (FV3.1), allowing for functional classification into 6 socioeconomic and organizational profiles representative of the sector (FV3.3). The results will include a questionnaire application report, an anonymized database with organizational, economic, and sustainability variables, and a segmentation report with multivariate analysis and cluster representation.

R4 – Development and validation of a functional digital twin (OE2) An operational prototype of a digital twin will be developed, connected to at least 5 internal and external data sources (FV4.2), and functionally validated in 5 real livestock farms through simulation and the generation of alerts and recommendations (FV4.4). Deliverables will include a technical document defining the model, the functional platform of the twin, a controlled environment testing report, and a field validation report with accuracy and usability indicators.

R5 – Practical application of the lean farming approach in pilot farms (OE2) At least 10 lean indicators specific to dairy farms will be defined (FV5.1) and applied in 5 pilot farms, achieving 10% reductions in at least two key indicators (FV5.3). The results will include a technical document on lean indicators and methodology, individual implementation reports on pilot farms, and an evaluation report with before/after comparison, improvements achieved, and scaling recommendations.

R6 – Development of a federated platform with XAI model integration (OE3) A functional federated architecture connected to 5 external data sources will be implemented (FV6.2), developing an operational platform with 8 trained and validated XAI models accessible via a graphical interface (FV6.4). Deliverables include the technical design of the architecture, the operational platform with API integration, a technical report on XAI models, and a functional validation report in a real-world environment with user feedback.

R7 – Technical, economic, and ethical feasibility study of the system (OE4) A preliminary feasibility analysis will be carried out on two pilot farms (FV7.1), followed by a comprehensive study on five representative farms (FV7.3), covering the technical, economic, and ethical aspects of the system. As a result, a preliminary technical-economic report, an initial ethical analysis document, and a final feasibility study with field validation and participatory evaluation will be prepared.

R8 – Sectoral Ethical Data Governance System (OE4) A data governance framework will be designed and agreed upon with at least three stakeholders from the sector (FV8.1). This framework will be validated in three multi-stakeholder sessions until the final document is approved (FV8.3). Deliverables include the ethical and legal framework document, minutes and evidence from participatory workshops, and the final validated version of the governance system with legal and functional annexes for its implementation.

RD1 – External and Internal Communication Plan for the Operational Group. The communication plan has two aspects: internal, aimed at facilitating the flow of information among the members of the operational group through accessible and collaborative tools (WhatsApp, OneDrive, Teams), and external, focused on raising the profile of the project, its objectives, challenges, and results, while complying with the funding's publicity requirements. Key assets will be generated, such as a bilingual website, blog, social media presence, and informational materials, reaching at least 20 publications, 4 press articles, 6 interviews, and 3 dissemination events. The target audience is broad (dairy sector, consumers, public administrations, and AKIS), with national and international reach. Activities will be carried out throughout the project (M1–M34), led by Transmedia.

RD2 – Specialized Dissemination and Scientific-Technical Outreach. This outcome is geared towards technical and decision-making professionals in the agricultural and livestock sector, with the aim of transferring advanced knowledge and positioning the project as a benchmark. It will address the dissemination of technological developments in areas such as IT, nutrition, genomics, and milk quality, fostering knowledge exchange and influencing decision-making. The project anticipates the publication of scientific and specialized articles, press coverage, and active participation in conferences, technical workshops, and trade fairs (4 per milestone). The scope is national with a European reach, utilizing scientific media, industry journals, newspapers, radio, and digital channels. Activities will take place between M1 and M34.

RD3 – Reaching Society and Promoting the New Dairy Farmer Model. This outcome aims to communicate the benefits of the dairy sector to society by promoting the new dairy farmer: professional, technologically advanced, and sustainable. The goal is to improve the public perception of the sector, strengthen its recognition, and indirectly contribute to favorable public policy decisions. Actions will be carried out in mainstream media (TV, print, and digital), including at least two TV reports, four press mentions, and the production of a high-quality final video (5–6 minutes). The target audience is the general public, especially urban consumers, with national reach throughout the project.

RD4 – Creation of AKIS Networks and Promotion of Entrepreneurship. This outcome aims to promote the creation of ecosystem innovation networks (AKIS), fostering collaboration among traditionally unconnected actors and facilitating knowledge transfer. The project will act as a catalyst for new sectoral dynamics, promoting cooperation among cooperatives, industry, technology centers, and startups. Two open AKIS-type events will be developed, and connections will be established with key platforms, hubs, and entities within the agri-food ecosystem. These networks will contribute to the replicability of the project and the generation of new business opportunities. Activities will be carried out throughout the project (M1–M34).