The relationship between the farming environment, animal health and sustainability is today at the center of scientific and productive debate. In a context marked by climate change, growing attention to animal welfare and the need to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production, the role of the environment can no longer be considered a secondary factor. We discuss these topics with Prof. Luciana Rossi, DVM, Ph.D., from the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences at the University of Milan, who has long combined scientific research with field activity. From the evolution of the concept of animal health to environmental monitoring, from the use of artificial intelligence to future perspectives in animal production, this interview offers an integrated view of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
From the evolution of the concept of animal health to environmental monitoring, from the use of artificial intelligence to the future perspectives of livestock production, the interview provides an integrated view of the challenges and opportunities awaiting the sector.
Over the years working closely with livestock farms, what has been the most evident change in the relationship between the farming environment and animal health?
In recent years, I have observed a growing awareness of the role of the environment as a determinant of animal health, both in scientific research and in farming practice. We have moved from a reactive approach, focused on treating disease, to a preventive one, aimed at creating optimal environmental conditions to reduce stress and improve welfare. Today, the concept of “salutogenesis” is increasingly discussed, meaning the active promotion of health through strategies that reduce the occurrence of disease. This approach is based on an integrated vision that jointly considers nutritional, environmental and management factors, with particular attention to animal welfare, the quality of the farming environment and the microclimate. It is important to remember that disease determinism derives from the complex interaction among three main components: the animal (host), the environment and the pathogen. Only by acting synergistically on all these elements is it possible to prevent the onset of disease and promote truly sustainable and resilient farming systems.
How important are ammonia, fine dust and CO₂ in the daily lives of animals?
They are extremely important. These parameters, often underestimated compared to other management or nutritional factors, have a direct and well-documented impact on respiratory health, immune efficiency and productive performance in farm animals. High concentrations of ammonia compromise mucociliary clearance and the integrity of the respiratory epithelium, facilitating pathogen entry and predisposing animals to bronchitis, pneumonia and secondary infections. Fine dust particles, in addition to carrying microorganisms and endotoxins, cause chronic inflammation of the respiratory mucosa and, in the long term, reduce the efficiency of gas exchange and feed intake. CO₂, if not adequately removed through effective ventilation, also reduces tissue oxygenation and comfort, negatively affecting rest and growth.
Can you describe a case in which an “invisible” problem had significant effects on health or productivity?
This is a phenomenon I observe frequently, especially in pig farms. A very common example concerns insufficient ventilation: in order to reduce heating costs, some farmers tend to limit air exchange during the cold season. At first glance, this seems like an energy-efficient choice, but in reality it represents an “invisible” problem with high sanitary and economic impact. Reduced airflow leads to the accumulation of ammonia and humidity, which compromise environmental quality, promote environmental microbial growth and irritate the animals’ respiratory tract. In a specific case I followed, simply rebalancing the ventilation system by increasing air exchanges led, within a few weeks, to a significant reduction in coughing in piglets, lower production losses and a clear improvement in appetite.
What do you observe in animals under heat stress, and which solutions work best?
The effects of heat stress vary greatly depending on species and production stage, but in all cases they represent one of the main challenges to welfare and productivity. In sows, the thermoneutral zone is around 18–19°C: when summer temperatures exceed these values, reductions in fertility, feed intake, milk production and maternal care of piglets (during lactation) are observed. In contrast, newborn piglets require much warmer environments, around 28–30°C. This makes microclimate management in farrowing rooms one of the most complex challenges, as it is necessary to simultaneously ensure comfort for both the sow and the piglets. Dairy cows are also highly sensitive to high temperatures. Heat stress leads to reduced dry matter intake, worsening of productive and reproductive indices, and an increase in clinical signs of oxidative and inflammatory stress. The most effective solutions are integrated ones: ventilation and evaporative cooling systems, targeted nutritional plans and management of feeding times during the cooler hours of the day. Water quality (fresh water), shading and feeding schedule management also have a significant impact. When well coordinated, these interventions improve animal welfare, reduce the physiological impact of heat stress and preserve productivity.
What changes with real-time monitoring compared to traditional observations?
Continuous environmental monitoring not only allows full awareness of the actual conditions within the farm, but also enables a shift from reactive to predictive management. Having constant data on the microclimate makes it possible to detect early signs of discomfort and intervene promptly, thus contributing to animal welfare and health. However, technology cannot replace the trained eye of the veterinarian or farmer: data must be interpreted in light of clinical and management experience.
Artificial intelligence and predictive systems: allies or substitutes for the veterinarian?
Allies, without a doubt. AI can process large amounts of data, but clinical decision-making requires a holistic understanding that only the experience and sensitivity of a veterinarian can provide. The future will be based on collaboration between technology and human expertise.
Labeling animal welfare like the French Nutri-Score: help or obstacle?
It can be helpful if based on scientific, transparent and shared criteria. However, reducing animal welfare to a simple grade or score risks penalizing complex and virtuous production systems that require an integrated and multidimensional assessment. Communication to consumers should not become a purely bureaucratic exercise, but rather a tool to enhance the real quality of production processes. It is also essential to counter the “infodemic” that still surrounds these topics: an “antibiotic-free” farm does not automatically correspond to better animal health or welfare. At the same time, the commitment and investments made by farmers to certify and improve animal welfare must be recognized and rewarded by the market. Consumers must be aware of the added value of these practices and willing to support a fair price. Finally, a crucial challenge remains open: how to ensure the same welfare and sustainability standards for products imported from non-EU countries, where controls and regulations may be less stringent. Only a coordinated and global approach can ensure real equity and transparency along the entire supply chain.
Can livestock farming “give back” to the environment?
Absolutely yes. Modern livestock systems can positively contribute to sustainability through nutrient recycling, sustainable manure management and the valorization of agri-food by-products, which can be reused as functional ingredients in animal diets. In this way, animals themselves become valorisers of by-products from human food production (still rich in nutrients), transforming them into high-quality food for humans. Livestock farming can thus represent a virtuous node of the circular economy, capable of improving soil fertility, reducing waste and promoting biodiversity, with both environmental and economic benefits.
An example of sustainability that has led to economic advantages?
Recently, in my research activity I have been working on the use of biochar in animal nutrition, which represents a concrete example of sustainability translating into economic benefits. Biochar is a plant-based charcoal derived from the pyrolysis of agricultural biomass and represents a perfect example of circular economy, as it allows plant waste to be transformed into a functional resource. Its use in the diets of weaned piglets (but not only) has shown improvements in feed efficiency, better gut health and a reduction in nitrogen excretion and greenhouse gas emissions, with a positive environmental impact and direct economic savings for the farmer.
Looking toward 2035: what will be the biggest challenge?
Looking toward 2035, the greatest challenge will be ensuring animal health and combating antimicrobial resistance, one of the most urgent global health issues. At the same time, it will be essential to identify alternative and sustainable protein sources, reducing dependence on imported raw materials with high environmental impact. All of this must be reconciled with the need to maintain the economic sustainability of production systems, ensuring farm profitability and the resilience of the livestock sector in a context of climate change, social pressure and ecological transition.
Conclusions
From the words of Prof. Luciana Rossi, it clearly emerges that the future of livestock farming cannot be separated from a systemic approach in which animal health, environment, management and economic sustainability are deeply interconnected. Prevention, continuous monitoring and the conscious use of technology represent key tools to address current and future challenges. At the same time, modern livestock farming can and must become part of the solution, actively contributing to the circular economy and the protection of resources. Scientific innovation, human expertise and shared responsibility along the entire supply chain will be fundamental elements in building resilient, fair and truly sustainable production systems.
