17th International Conference on Production Diseases in Farm Animals (ICPD) - Proceedings

Abstract

Breeding and husbandry of livestock is often accompanied by a conflict of interest between biological requirements of the animal and economic needs of the producer. This conflict is increasingly gaining attention not only by producers, animal scientists, and veterinarians, but also by the public. An inadequate breeding strategy or animal housing and feeding may lead to production diseases, coming along impaired animal welfare, but also reduced income for the producer, and reduced product quality for the consumer. In contrast to most conferences related to farm animals, the International Conference on Production Dieseases in farm animals (ICPD) focusses mainly on production diseases and their prevention in ruminants, swine, and poultry. The main topics of the 17th ICPD 2019 in Bern are the use of antimicrobials with emphasis on security and safety for producers and consumers, the impact of locomotion disorders on performance and welfare of farm animals, the interactions of gut microbiome, climate change, microclimate, genetics, metabolic status and mineral homeostasis with reproduction, performance, animal health and welfare. Behavioral signs indicating an impaired animal welfare are the basis for precision livestock farming technology and development of new management strategies. Aspects of infectious diseases, raising of neonates and their their development are completing the program. Progress in analytical procedures, new regulations, the problem of antimicrobial resistance, and the implementation of sensor and precision livestock farming technology do not only trigger new management strategies on the farms. We are facing significant challenges: Big data and data security, consumer perceptions, and a growing demand for animal-derived food products in the developing countries. The present proceedings of the conference abstracts summarize the latest research in production diseases and related fields of farm animal production.