SPECIAL SESSION #02
Precision Nutrition Technologies in Animal Husbandry: Advancements and Future Perspectives
ORGANIZED BY
Damiano Cavallini
Damiano Cavallini
Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Italy
Alessandro Vastolo
Alessandro Vastolo
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
Martina Lamanna
Martina Lamanna
Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Italy
SPECIAL SESSION DESCRIPTION
The global scale of animal production is immense, this increase is driven by changing dietary habits linked to rising incomes. However, this expansion comes with significant challenges: the livestock sector is a major contributor to environmental issues, impacting air and water quality, biodiversity, and global climate by disrupting biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Optimizing animal diets not only enhances productivity but also reduces the environmental impact of farming systems. Precision nutrition technologies are transforming the way we approach livestock feeding, enabling tailored nutritional strategies that maximize feed efficiency while minimizing waste and emissions. These advancements allow farmers to meet the nutritional needs of animals with greater precision, ensuring health, welfare, and optimal performance. As global demand for animal products is expected to increase by 70% by 2050, it becomes imperative to develop and implement sustainable and efficient feeding practices. Precision nutrition, when integrated with innovative tools from Precision Livestock Farming, offers unprecedented opportunities to improve nutrient utilization, reduce reliance on scarce resources, and mitigate the sector's ecological footprint. This Special session invites original research and case studies that focus on cutting-edge precision nutrition technologies and their applications in livestock farming. Join us in exploring the forefront of advancements in precision animal nutrition.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
Damiano Cavallini, a Tenure Track Researcher at the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna. My research focuses on animal nutrition, with particular attention to dairy cows and horses. I work on optimizing feeding strategies to improve feed efficiency, animal welfare, and product quality while reducing environmental impact. My approach combines in vitro and in vivo studies, precision livestock farming tools, and statistical modeling to enhance sustainability in livestock systems. Beyond research, I teach courses in animal nutrition and sustainable feeding within the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production degree programs, contributing to the training of future professionals in animal science.
Alessandro Vastolo, a Junior Researcher at the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production at the University of Naples Federico II. My research is deeply rooted in animal nutrition, primarily focusing on optimizing the diets of ruminants and horses. I employ a combination in vitro and in vivo studies to improve animal health, enhance productivity, and promote sustainability in livestock systems. Beyond research, I contribute to the education of future professionals through my teaching role in the Precision Livestock Farming degree course.
Martina Lamanna is a PhD candidate at the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna. She graduated in Veterinary Medicine in 2023. Her research focuses on the integration of applied ethology and precision livestock farming, using advanced sensing technologies and automated data analysis to monitor behavioural and ingestive patterns in dairy cows, in order to identify early indicators of animal welfare and support sustainable and efficient herd management. In addition to her research, she contributes to veterinary education, exploring digital tools and innovative approaches to enhance teaching effectiveness and promote interactive learning.
