- 1 - Technical, economic and organizational innovations to meet consumers and stakeholders expectations in the beef industry
This session will address the potential of technical, economic and organizational innovations to meet expectations of both consumers and stakeholders in the beef industry. Quality in all its dimensions (intrinsic quality such as safety, healthiness, palatability but also extrinsic quality such as carbon footprint), the guarantee of a minimum income for farmers and more generally the sustainability of the sector will be the main concerns.
- 2 - Challenges and opportunities for the stakeholders of the dairy sector
This session focussed om emerging research in all public and private stakeholders (farmers, processors, transporters, distributors, retailers, consumers, officials and policymakers) involved in milk and dairy products. This session will cover innovations to reconcile the need of farmers to earn a decent living, consumer demand for affordable and quality dairy products, and environmental and animal health requirements.
- 3 - Dairy and beef production systems enhancing societal appreciation and farmers well-being: analysis, insights and initiatives
Much discussion is going on about the cattle sectors in Europe concerning their role towards animal welfare, environment and biodiversity, but also about their economic role in the local communities and enriching landscape when cattle are grazing. The farmer must deal with all these aspects and make the best out of it. All research and applications concerning practices, technologies, strategies and initiatives dealing with beef and dairy production systems strengthening the future farm are warmly welcomed in this session. Additionally, contributions about analysis and insight of farm family well-being and work-life balance are needed to arrive at a viable farm business as an appreciated part of society
- 4 - Dairy cows’ longevity: economic, feeding, breeding, health, welfare and environmental aspects and perspectives – Joint with ADSA
Dairy cows’ longevity: economic, feeding, breeding, health, welfare and environmental aspects and perspectives - Joint with ADSA
- 5 - Dual purpose and endangered breeds: adaption to climate change and grass-based production system
Dual purpose and endangered breeds are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity, supporting sustainable agriculture, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring the resilience of livestock systems. These breeds are often well adapted to specific local environments or harsher conditions. This makes them particularly suitable for meeting the challenges of climate change in grassland-based production systems and for providing valuable products.
- 6 - Genetic, feeding and management strategies to improve health and reduce the antimicrobial use in calves
This session hosts contributions on the animals' extrinsic and intrinsic strategies to improve health of young animals of various dairy species, their resistance to disease, and survival, which are all multifaceted issues. Various strategies may be combined. In fact, while the improvement made through genetics starts to be evident in the medium to long term and is permanent, the adoption of management and nutritional strategies - less animal-dependent - may result into immediately tangible benefits. Regardless of the field of research, all abstracts oriented to calves' survival and health are welcome.
- 7 - Advances in Value Chain Assessments for Sustainable Livestock Systems” – a joint session by the INTAQT, CODE-REFARM, mEATquality and PATHWAYS projects
This session explores innovative approaches to assessing the environmental and socioeconomic sustainability of livestock value chains. It highlights outputs from co-designed methods integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), ecosystem service evaluations, physical flow analysis, animal welfare, product quality (safety, nutrition, organoleptic), and governance dynamics. Discussions will focus on holistic sustainability assessments and transformational pathways to enhance the resilience of livestock value chains.
- 8 - N or C or both – water and air; mitigation, adaptation and credits
This session focuses on the one hand on measures that reduce ammonia emissions and greenhouse gases and limit nitrate leaching; even better when it deals with both (NH3 and GHG) in an integrated way. On the other hand, it focuses on farm adaptations due to climate change, such as crop and water supply adaptation; moreover, we like contributions that highlight reward systems of good environmental performance, including carbon credits.
- 9 - Novel infrared approaches and phenotypes to enhance sustainability of livestock industry
This session focussed on the emerging infrared approaches and phenotype assessment to enhance the sustainability of the cattle livestock industry. This session will cover recent research on the development of new infrared prediction models with benchtop and portable devices and the integration of these equations into characterise cattle phenotypes and as a tool for product quality control
- 10 - Feeding, beef semen use, marketing strategies to improve health, well-being, productivity, and climate impact of dairy beef calves in various beef production systems
European beef production is largely based on dairy beef calves born in the dairy herds, sold at a young age to be raised for beef meat in various intensive production systems.
This causes several challenges to the calf from birth to slaughter to which we need to find smart solutions to meet a sustainable meat production.
The session focusses on how to improve health, well-being, resilience, productivity, and climate impact of dairy beef calves from the dairy farm in various beef production systems.
- 11 - Sustainable replacement planning and mating management in European cattle herds
Mating decisions in cattle herds can be various depending on the strategy of the farm and the genetic merit of the dam and the sire. Besides the use of conventional frozen semen optimization is done via the use of different semen products such as sexed semen or higher fertile semen. Additionally, economic improvements could be realized by mating beef sires on dairy cows (beef on dairy). This session focusses on the latest trends in mating optimization and economic gain for European cattle herds.
- 12 - Miscellaneous Cattle
Any abstracts for this Study Commission, which do not belong in the sessions listed.
- 13 - European research infrastructures to support livestock science: whom and how?
This session first aim is to popularize the concept of RIs for the scientific community working on livestock, whatever the discipline (genetics, physiology, pathology). The session will collect feedback from the scientific community which represents current or potential users of a new RI in preparation to support livestock science, that will join phenotyping with functional annotation of the genome in order to bridge the gap from genotype to phenotype in terrestrial as well as aquatic species.
- 14 - Future of the EU breeding sector
The future of the animal breeding sector in EU: role of academia and the private sector –strengthen the private-public relationship.
The purpose is to emphasise the need to strengthen collaboration between academia and private sector and to better engage young scientists and early-career researchers to support animal breeding and farming in the EU.
- 15 - From Genomic Applications to Societal Perception
The session will cover both ruminants and monogastric species and the results from both the RUMIGEN and GEroNIMO projects. Perspectives from academia/research and the private sector could be given
- 16 - Future proofing our livestock species using crossbreeding strategies
Genomic selection has revolutionized livestock breeding achieving accelerated genetic gains by increasing the accuracy of genetic evaluations and enabling earlier selection decisions. However, it has also augmented the accumulation of inbreeding within breed selection. Crossbreeding strategies are to future proofing our livestock species.
- 17 - Genetics of novel health and welfare traits
The range of traits considered for genetic selection in livestock populations has progressed to meet the demands of both industry and society. Traits encompassing longevity, fertility, calving, health, and efficiency have now been integrated into selection indices. The session will display current research that focuses on fitness, health, welfare, and environmental sustainability, underlying the concentrated emphasis on a more comprehensive breeding goal.
- 18 - Halting the loss of diversity. Are our efforts to manage AnGR sufficient and effective?
Over the past twenty years, one breed has been declared extinct every month. Despite being essential for genetic improvement and adaptation to economic, social, and environmental changes, genetic diversity is experiencing erosion at both the species and breed levels. This session aims to highlight both successes and failures in the management of animal genetic resources, as well as to present strategies and methods to sustainably use, develop and preserve animal genetic resources both, in situ and ex situ.
- 19 - How can genomic methods and resources be used for breeding and conservation and avoiding detrimental homozygosity ?
Genomic tools have been used most intensely in large mainstream populations. With new technologies and comparative genomic information, advantages can be expected for less developed and/or small populations. This includes the detection and management of deleterious alleles, pedigree reconstruction, and breed assignment. These applications provide options as well as challenges for selection and maintenance of genetic diversity in small populations for various livestock species.
- 20 - How to achieve genetic progress and adoption for mitigation and adaptation traits
Farmers increasingly face new challenges arising through rapidly changing environments. The session will present how researchers and industry work on establishing novel breeding strategies to genomically select livestock that are environmentally efficient and simultaneously adapt quickly to changing environments.
- 21 - Local endangered breeds of livestock: their genetics and management, Special characteristics of native and local breeds for landscape management and ecosystem services
Breeders of local (autochtonous) endangered breeds of livestock are supported by government subsidies in many countries of Europe in order to maintain genetic diversity and also cultural heritage. Austria has a very well working support system that led to increase in numbers of breeding animals in most of the endangered breeds over the recent 25 years. Contributions to this session explore the diversity and differentiation of local breeds across many countries and investigate alternative modes of management of such breeds
- 22 - Methodology: modeling GxE, additive and non-additive variances in animal breeding
The session will present most current research on methodology, modeling genotype by environment interaction, and exploit non-additive variances in animal breeding.
- 23 - Only 100% to share – breeding objectives revisited for improved sustainability and animal welfare
An increasing number of traits have been included in even more comprehensive breeding goals. New on-farm sensors, data loggers, precision measurement techniques, and other technological aids will provide even more data for use in selection, and the difficulty will lie not in measuring phenotypes or gathering data but rather in selecting and weighting properly all key traits with farmer-minded economic advantages. With only 100% to share, breeding objectives are being revisited for improved sustainability and animal welfare.
- 24 - Miscellaneous Genetics
Any abstracts for this Study Commission, which do not belong in the sessions listed.
- 25 - Advanced (bio)technologies and new tools in horse precision reproduction, training and management
Advanced (Bio)Technologies and Precision Tools in Equine Reproduction, Training, and Management
- 26 - Horse Genetics and Breeding
This session focuses on the latest research in equine genomics, hereditary traits, and breeding strategies aimed at optimizing health, performance, and sustainability in horse populations. The session topics range from identifying genetic markers for disease resistance and athletic ability to novel approaches in selective breeding that balance genetic diversity with desired traits.
- 27 - Innovative feeding and nutritional strategies for the Health and Performance of Horses
Innovation in Feeding and Nutritional Strategies for Horses
- 28 - Socio-economic Perspectives on Equine Production Systems and the Roles of Horses in Society
Changing work for equines and new roles for horses (therapy, milk, meat, bio-grazing...), economic, social, cultural, and environmental roles of the horse as animal production in farms and territories
- 29 - Horse Welfare, Behaviour, and Anthrozoology
Ethology, cognition from the perspective of human and social sciences; perceptions of the horse and of the society; the human-horse relationship, working relationships between human and horse.
- 30 - Miscellaneous Horses
Any abstracts for this Study Commission, which do not belong in the sessions listed.
- 31 - Behaviour and welfare in mother-young management
Optimising the mother-young relationship is crucial to the survival of all mammals but it is of vital importance in a mountainous setting where harsh climate and terrain is compounded by the potential presence of predators. In this session we welcome papers on management, nutritional and other (e.g. PLF technologies) strategies to optimise mother-young bonding and care thereafter to ensure survival, health and welfare of the neonate in mountain farming regions
- 32 - Improving nutrition, housing and management of farm animals to optimise welfare and thereby health, and reduce antimicrobial use
It is impossible to optimise animal health under conditions where animal welfare is sub-standard. Optimal animal welfare standards are achieved by adhering to best practice in nutrition, housing and handling etc management of livestock. Such standards are generally in line with animals basic biological and behavioural needs. In this session we welcome papers demonstrating how improving animal welfare by applying best management practice not only improves animal (gut, brain, phyhsical etc.) health and performance but reduces the use of antimicrobials.
- 33 - Behavioural indicators of positive welfare (ECR competition)
In recent years the focus of animal welfare science on indicators of poor welfare broadened to include indicators that animals have a life worth living or that they are experiencing some positive aspects of life. These are most commonly reflected in behavioural indicators such as play. In this session we welcome papers looking at other newly developed behavioural indicators of positive welfare.
- 34 - Innovative / preventative approaches in research and practice (on-farm, during transport, at slaughter, etc) for animal welfare and health.
In this session we welcome papers investigating strategies to improve animal welfare from farm through transport to slaughter. Papers on issues related to 'End the Cage Age' (rabbits, poultry and pigs etc.) are particularly welcomed
- 35 - Keeping animals intact
There's been decades of research on pain mitigation in animals undergoing painful procedures (dehorning, castration, debeaking, tail docking, teeth clipping). However, uptake on farms is poor and millions of animals undergo painful mutilations in the absence of any pain relief in the EU every year. There are of course some downsides to keeping animals intact some of which are unavoidable irrepsective of husbandry or management system (e.g. danger entire males/bulls could pose to humans), but many others are because of deficiencies in the way we keep animals - think of conditions associated with feather pecking and tail biting. What is the solution?
- 36 - Production diseases
Production diseases are augmented by management and breeding practices directed toward improving and increasing production. However, they are also metabolic diseases because management of the animal is directed at production, which at its peak is beyond the capacity of that animal’s metabolic reserves to sustain a particular nutrient at physiologic concentrations. The most obvious examples of production diseases relate to dairy cows and include ketosis which occurs when cows are in negative energy balance, and parturient paresis or milk fever. However, lameness is a production disease that affects breeding females of all livestock species and increasingly fast-growing meat lines of pigs and poultry. Piglet mortality can also be considered a production disease
- 37 - Understanding animal and human behaviour to optimise management of farm animals
From an animal behaviour perspective, this can include topics such as facility design and management practices that accommodate species specific motivated behaviours, meeting the animals’ feeding related behaviour, including the motivation for a varied diet, and in general, enabling animals to exercise agency. From a human behaviour perspective, this topic can include social science based papers, such as behavioural change (e.g. the human behaviour changes needed to address issues such as tail biting), understanding human challenges and motivations, and the subject of human-animal interaction
- 38 - Miscellaneous Health & Welfare
Any abstracts for this Study Commission, which do not belong in the sessions listed.
- 39 - Better safe than sorry – Workshop
A role-play session where participants will responses to simulated insect farm crises, developing practical solutions within technical and time constraints.
- 40 - Circular agriculture: insects in human and animal nutrition and plant production
A session on the utilization of insects as 1) feed for farmed or pet animals, 2) as food including consumer perception or 3) for technical applications including frass.
- 41 - Feeding the critters
A session on the nutritional requirements, physiology including feed trials, microbiome assessment.
- 42 - Healthy and happy bugs
A session on the health and welfare of insects including behaviour, stress, parasitoids, zoonoses and other potential veterinary issues.
- 43 - Innovation in insect Production : Enhancing Efficiency through technology and biology
A session on the biological or technical optimization of insect production systems including processing systems, environment settings and control, automation and the use of AI.
- 44 - Six-legged domestication
A session on breeding and reproducing insects for food and feed including genetic diversity and selection trials.
- 45 - The safety and sustainability of the insect sector
A session on the assessment of the safety of insects for food and feed and research on the economic, ecological and social sustainability of the insect production chain
- 46 - Miscellaneous Insects
Any abstracts for this Study Commission, which do not belong in the sessions listed.
- 47 - Livestock farming systems for the next generation: can we imagine the future?
This session organised jointly with ATF will gather leading scientists to contribute, review and provide novel papers which will create a discussion towards a future vision of livestock farming systems in EU: where and how should livestock systems adapt to continue and fulfil their essential role while ensuring an equilibrium with resources. What will be the role of livestock in the next generations? How will farming systems evolve to ensure sustainability? Are we capable of imagining or designing the future livestock farming systems? What tools can we use to do so? Offered papers can be submitted as posters and should focus on an integrated and multifactorial approach based on three potential Pathways of Progress for livestock that should be investigated simultaneously: Circularity, Diversity and Efficiency.
- 48 - Sustainability assessment of livestock farming systems
Sustainability of livestock farming systems includes a very large set of different aspects, involving social, economic and environmental issues. The aim of the session is to present and discuss the main challenges for a comprehensive assessment of sustainability in livestock farming systems. Some invited speakers will present and discuss concepts and methods to address this topic with a system approach. Contributions presenting case studies on different approaches are welcome.
- 49 - Optimising grazing livestock systems for food production and ecosystems services
Grazing livestock systems play an important role globally in converting human inedible biomass resources into high value proteins and micronutrients for human consumption. All agricultural activity occurs in the context of a wider ecosystem at farm, regional and national level and beyond. The objective of this session is to explore the optimisation of food production and ecosystems services to address the multiple challenges and opportunities for grazing livestock systems.
- 50 - How green-finance and industry initiatives are supporting sustainability at the farm level
This session will explore how green finance and industry-driven sustainability initiatives are collaborating with the livestock production sector at the farm level. With the increasing global demand for sustainable animal agriculture, innovative financial tools and collaborative programs are becoming essential to support farmers in adopting environmentally sound practices. Experts in animal science, finance, and sustainability will present recent research and case studies highlighting the integration of green finance with farm-level strategies, such as improved feed efficiency, reduced emissions, and regenerative grazing systems. The session will also explore how industry stakeholders are leveraging certifications, incentives, and partnerships to align livestock production with global sustainability goals. The participants will gain an understanding of the opportunities and challenges in implementing these solutions and their impact on productivity, animal welfare, and environmental outcomes. This session is ideal for scientists, industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders working to advance sustainable practices in animal agriculture.
- 51 - Wildlife-livestock-human interactions, risks and opportunities
The aim of the session is to explore the interactions between wildlife, livestock and humans and to identify the risks and opportunities towards resilient and sustainable livestock farming systems as they are affected and influenced by this coexistence. The session welcomes abstracts that analyze both vertical (predation, herbivory) and horizontal (competition) relationships between species in a gradient of anthropogenic pressure (lethal, e.g. hunting; non-lethal, e.g. human disturbance), as well as those related to various biotic (e.g. presence of wolves) and abiotic (e.g. primary productivity) factors.
- 52 - Gamification/Serious Games approaches to realise sustainable livestock systems
Gamification/Serious games (whether tabletop or video games) have been increasingly developed in recent years, serving various purposes such as providing advice, assisting in the design of new systems, or supporting education. In this session, we invite innovative serious games focused on the management of livestock farms and their interactions with territories and/or the environment. This session offers a platform for abstracts that explore various aspects of serious games, including their objectives (for both designers and players), the rules and mechanisms that govern gameplay, and their impact on both players and facilitators. The session will feature seven games, ensuring ample time for all participants to engage with and experience one of the games firsthand. This session will not be open to offered orals but will welcome poster submissions.
- 53 - From theory to practice: how livestock-based circularity can contribute to sustainable and healthier food systems?
This theme explores the role of conceptual frameworks (agroecology, ecological intensification, regenerative agriculture, conservation agriculture, ...) in using the potential of livestock-based circularity to advance sustainable and healthier food systems. Livestock farming, when integrated into circular approaches, can play a key role in reducing waste, improving resource efficiency and promoting ecosystem health. By recycling nutrients, optimizing feed production and incorporating innovative practices, these systems minimize environmental impacts while supporting resilient farming systems. During this session our objectives will be to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications, examining how approaches derived from conceptual frameworks can transform livestock farming to address global challenges such as food security, climate change and public health, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”
- 54 - Miscellaneous Livestock farming Systems
Any abstracts for this Study Commission, which do not belong in the sessions listed.
- 55 - 3Rs (Replacement, Refinement and Reduction) in animal nutrition studies
Less invasive, in silico/in vitro/ex vivo methodologies for ruminant and non-ruminant (technical one
- 56 - Feed Additives for Methane Mitigation (ADSA SESSION on methane)
The session will replicate an ADSA session
- 57 - Algae, fungi, yeast, and cellular feeds, feed ingredients/additives
The aim of the session is to provide the recent works in investigating cellular and innovative fermention feed ingredients for all animal species
- 58 - Alternative forages in animal nutrition
Replacing perennial ryegrass, climate change resilient, tannin-containing, multispecies, legumes etc.
- 59 - Animal nutrition in circular economy
Circular/Sustainable feeds, former foods and agri-food industry by-products
- 60 - Enhancing the quality of animal-derived foods via animal nutrition
The aim of the session is to provide the recent advance in animal nutrtional interventions focused on food of animal origin quality
- 61 - Feeding Systems and Feed Evaluation Models, modeling,
Feed evaluation, nutrient content, availability, digetsbility, processing technologies to improve nutritive value and safety of animal feed
- 62 - Nutrigenomics – chances and challenges in animal production
The effect of nutrition can be observed at epigenetic, transcriptional, translational or post-translational level, and all of these levels can be investigated through nutrigenomic-related approaches, this make nutrigenomics is currently one of the fastest developing areas of research.
- 63 - Recent advance in prewaning piglet nutrition
Colostrum and milk supply and automated feeding systems
- 64 - Strategies in animal nutrition impacting animal health and carry over effects
Phytochemicals/feed additives/pre-pro-postbiotics
- 65 - Tackling climate change and greenhouse gases via animal nutrition
The purpose of the session is to provide recent work on animal nutrition that could impact the environment, GH emissions, etc.
- 66 - Young club Nutrition session (SPEED PRESENTATION)
Abstracts by invitation only.
- 67 - Miscellaneous Nutrition
Animal nutrtion abstracts
- 68 - Early career competition ‘Innovative approaches to pig and poultry production’, supported by CMI Rouiller
The Pig and Poultry Commission arrange this session with focus on 'Innovative approaches to pig and poultry production '. If you are 38 years or younger, want to present a topic that falls within the scope of the session, and want to participate in that contest, please submit your abstract to this session. The winner receives a scholarship to attend the EAAP congress in 2025, offered by CMI Rouiller. Presentations will be scored based on science and innovation, slides, oral presentation and discussion.
- 69 - Ethics in research: does it hamper innovation?
In this session, we will discuss how pig researchers adapt to new expectations on ethics in animal research.
- 70 - Future pig and poultry production systems
Environment, climate change and animal health & welfare have become ever more important in animal production with management requiring transformation from current standards. This session addresses alternative systems concepts and emerging science-based strategies (mitigation strategies and adaptation of farming systems, breed adaptation) to develop sustainable and resilient farming systems capable of coping with climate change, environmental, health and welfare challenges while considering feed/food competition and ensuring food safety and product quality.
- 71 - Supporting piglet development through early-life nutrition with special focus on colostrum/ milk supply and automated feeding systems
The suckling period is of pivotal importance for the future development of the piglet. For optimal growth, suckling piglets must have an adequate intake of colostrum as well as a sufficient milk supply. This session is dedicated to exploring nutritional solutions, including automatic feeding systems, which are designed to stimulate the maturation of the digestive system and the development of the suckling piglet.
- 72 - Understanding the Gut-Brain and Muscle-Brain Axes in Pig Production
This session focuses on the emerging scientific understanding of the gut-brain and muscle-brain axes and their critical roles in modulating pig physiology, behavior, and growth dynamics. This session will delve into recent research uncovering the molecular mechanisms by which these interconnected pathways influence neuroendocrine responses, metabolic efficiency, and muscle development in swine.
- 73 - Miscellaneous Pigs
Any abstracts for this Study Commission, which do not belong in the sessions listed.
- 80 - AI assistence, automatisation and robotics in livestock, from birth to slaughter; from egg to meat
This session will delve into the transformative role of AI assistance, automation, and robotics in livestock production. From birth to slaughter and from egg to meat, we will explore how robotic, and AI will transform farmer work, advisors activities, research approach. Take part of this session to discuss how these technologies are revolutionizing animal production.
- 81 - Data-driven science and applications: from big data to big impact, and from shared data to less burden
This session deals with everything related to data, data-driven science and data-driven applications. Abstracts are welcomed on big data, data integration, and data analytics and the newest algorithms or data-based decision making, but also on data sharing, data exchange and the potential benefits coming from data sharing such as reduced administrative burden for farmers and other stakeholders.
- 82 - Novel technologies for phenotyping and scientific trials
This session aims to bundle the latest technological advancements for livestock phenomics, methods and sensors to systematically describe the phenome, i.e. the physical and molecular traits of an animal, covering all livestock species.
- 83 - Pitching Competition for PLF Scientific results, scientific challenges and Startup Ideas (5-Minute PPTs, time for networking)
This session features a dynamic pitching competition with 5-minute presentations showcasing scientific results, research challenges, and startup ideas in Precision Livestock Farming (PLF). Designed to stand out from traditional formats, it aims to foster connections between private stakeholders and young researchers, creating a unique space for networking and collaboration.
- 84 - Standardization of PLF Tools and Methodologies for welfare assessment (SENSTARA Working Group)
As part of the SENSTARA Working Group, this session focuses on advancing the standardization of tools and methodologies in Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) for welfare assessment in research activities. This session will start from welfare indicator description to establish best practices and harmonized standards for data collection, sensor development, and analytical approaches across species and systems. Researchers are invited to present their work related to sensor technology, data integration, welfare assessment, and methodological frameworks that contribute to consistent, scalable, and impactful PLF applications.
- 85 - Validation, impact assessment and (economic) benefits for various stakeholders of PLF under commercial conditions (PLF)
This session centers on the validation and impact assessment of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) solutions in commercial environments, reflecting the notion that while no PLF solutions are entirely accurate, some can offer significant (economic) benefits to farmers and other stakeholders along the value chain. Abstracts are invited to help the animal science community determine whether these solutions achieve research validation standards, serve as practical decision support tools for farmers, or perhaps neither. Impact assessments will address farming performance and encompass social factors like working conditions, economic considerations such as return on investment, and environmental impacts.
- 86 - Welfare and behaviour measurements using precision livestock farming tools and big data: from validation to application
This session explores the use of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) tools and big data analytics to measure and improve animal welfare and behavior. We welcome research contributions that validate PLF technologies, demonstrate innovative applications, or provide insights into the integration of data-driven approaches for welfare monitoring. Topics may include sensor validation, behavioral analytics and models, welfare assessment frameworks (digital), and real-world applications that bridge the gap between research and on-farm implementation.
- 87 - Miscellaneous Precision Livestock Farming
Any abstracts for this Study Commission, which do not belong in the sessions listed.
- 88 - Early life programming and management
Global food security relies on increasing farm animals productivity with responsibility to minimize the environmental impact. During early development the animal is particularly sensitive to environmental factors, and these exposures can permanently affect the function and even genetic regulation of internal organs and tissues that in turn determine the overall performance, immune system functions, and tolerance to environmental conditions later in life. Early life programming in applications for poultry is the concept, where the precise perinatal nutritional interventions, early handling and immunomodulation shape the overall health throughout the production cycle. This session presents concepts, research results and solutions involving nutritional, immunomodulatory and environmental manipulation during the pre-and post-hatch periods that have effect on overall productive efficiency and sustainability-related traits of poultry reared in either conventional or alternative systems or exposed to challenging conditions.
- 89 - Novel feed ingredients and technologies in poultry nutrition
This session will present innovative feed ingredients and technologies in poultry nutrition, focusing on emerging sources such as algae, fungi, yeast, and cellular feeds. It will cover the benefits and challenges of these ingredients, the role of feed additives, and advances in feed fermentation processes to enhance poultry health, productivity and sustainability.
- 90 - Optimising health for improved welfare in poultry
Not only efficiency and environmental burden of egg and meat production, but also welfare of poultry relies heavily on animal health in all production systems. Gastrointestinal tract health, metabolic disorders, and musculoskeletal health in poultry are of crucial relevance in both conventional and alternative production systems. We welcome contributions dealing with functional microbiota, intestinal bacterial and parasitic infections, high-performance associated metabolic disorders, and bone and muscle health. Genetic selection and preventive nutrition and management measures to improve the health and welfare of poultry are particularly welcome in this session.
- 91 - Miscellaneous Poultry
Any abstracts for this Study Commission, which do not belong in the sessions listed.
- 92 - Digital solutions for rural livestock systems, how to use PLF in extensive systems for sheep, goats to optimize their management and farmer wellbeing
This session focuses on innovative digital solutions and the integration of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies to enhance sheep and goat management in extensive rural or mountain systems. The session will highlight how technological advancements and effective knowledge transfer can improve productivity, optimize animal welfare, and promote farmer well-being in sustainable livestock systems
- 93 - Management of small ruminant diets when forages are scarce
This session focuses on nutritional, health, technical, and economic problems and solutions for the farms in which traditional forages (fresh herbage, hay, haylage or silage) are scarce, either due to occasional climatic conditions or due to permanent lack of water or unfavorable soil conditions. Possible solutions to properly feed small ruminants might be based on imported forages or diets, in different physical forms and often with high costs, or/and the use of by-products, local alternative feeds, or additives.
- 94 - Management systems and other aspects to improve lamb and kid meat production systems
Abstracts submitted to this session can encompass all aspects of flock management for ovine systems where lamb and/or kid meat are the primary produce. The research presented should focus on production outcomes looking at how changes in management such as nutrition, stocking rate, breeding plans etc. impacted the production outcomes (growth rate, carcass characteristics etc.) of lambs and kids pre and post slaughter.
- 95 - Restoring small ruminant populations after natural disasters and pandemics and effectively supporting farmers (Challenge session in collaboration with Med WG)
In recent years, natural disasters such as fires, floods and epidemics have gravely affected small ruminant populations and productions systems, by direct animal loss, and / or by reducing available pastures and forages, leading to further animal loss. Apart from prevention measures, there is also a question on the best practices to restore the lost livestock. Given that the extreme climate conditions are rising in frequency, new approaches to tackle these issues are needed to provide farmers and other stakeholders with realistic solutions. Presentations and discussion within this challenge session will aim to address restoration measures for livestock populations and production systems, farmer support and institutional roles.
- 96 - Small ruminant dairy physiology and its impact on dairy products
This session aims to examine all aspects of small ruminant dairy physiology and explore their connection and effects on dairy products. In particular, abstracts are invited to present cutting-edge findings pertaining to the challenges of extended lactations on goat physiology, physiological aspects’ impact on breeding decisions and breeding programs, and associations of small ruminant physiology with feeding regimen, quality of dairy products and product marketing, including kid meat.
- 97 - Small ruminant health & welfare
In addition to general contributions on small ruminant health and welfare, the session will aim to highlight aspects on lameness and claw diseases, internal parasites in sheep and goats on pasture and health challenges of prolonged lactation in goats.
- 98 - Miscellaneous Sheep & Goats
Any abstracts for this Study Commission, which do not belong in the sessions listed.