Zaragoza, 17 June 2023.- The 20th Workshop on Animal Production concluded with a commitment to continue research efforts in animal production and explore how climate change is affecting livestock systems. The workshop, organized by the Interprofessional Association for Agricultural Development (AIDA) took place at CIHEAM Zaragoza and the Agri-Food Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA) on 13 and 14 June
A record number of participants gathered to discuss Genetics, Nutrition and Feeding, Livestock Systems-Economics and Management, Product Quality, Livestock Precision Farming, Welfare and Health, and Reproduction.
Students of CIHEAM Zaragoza presented 6 oral communications on the individual projects they are conducting in their second year of the International Master in Animal Nutrition (2021-2023), a programme that trains specialists that will take on technical responsibilities and carry out high-impact research in the field of animal nutrition.
Animal science as a driver of the livestock sector
Guillermo Ripoll, researcher at CITA and coordinator of the workshop, has pointed out that “the return to physical attendance after the pandemic has been a huge success. The impressive turnout of participants is a sign that animal science has not been inactive over this time,on the contrary, it is back with renewed energy to share advances in different fields and continue research efforts to strengthen the livestock sector.”
Albina Sanz adds that this workshop on animal production is “more necessary than ever, enabling animal scientists to share their knowledge on nutrition, reproduction, farming systems, genetics, welfare and health to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock farming and at the same time satisfy the growing demand for animal protein worldwide”.
The workshop has had a record participation of over 300 animal science researchers and practitioners from across the country. The sessions began with the keynote speech "The role of the livestock sector and animal science in achieving the sustainable development goals", delivered by Dr Badi Besbes, head of the Animal Production and Health Division of the FAO and former student of CIHEAM Zaragoza to a packed auditorium keen to hear about the latest trends in the livestock sector.
Raúl Compés, director of CIHEAM Zaragoza, Lucía Soriano, managing director of CITA, and Albina Sanz, researcher at CITA and vice president of AIDA (soon to assume the role of the next president) jointly inaugurated the workshop.
Climate Change and Animal Production
The round table on climate change and animal production, organized by the Union of Spanish Animal Science Organizations (UEECA) and AIDA, highlighted the role of livestock farming in the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Among the participants in the debate were researchers from CITA Daniel Martín-Collado who talked about farmers’ perception of climate change, and Margalida Joy who addressed the impact of climate change on plant production and the development of better adapted new varieties and use of co-products. Roberto Brasero, the popular TV weather forecaster, participated via video.
AIDA held its annual assembly during the workshop and for the first time UEECA - with its 14 associations - held an extraordinary assembly presided by Juan Manuel Corpa of the University CEU San Pablo.
Collaborators in the workshop include the Agri-Food Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), the University of Zaragoza (the Agri-Food Institute of Aragon and the Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon), CIHEAM Zaragoza and the Spanish National Scientific Research Council (CSIC). The event was sponsored by Humeco, the Aragonese Association of Pig Veterinarians (A.V.P.A.), the cooperative group Pastores and the ARAPARDA breeders’ association. Albeitar, Mundo Ganadero, Tierras Vacuno and Zoetis.