Environment and Animal Health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOver the years working closely with farms, what has been the most significant change in the relationship between the farming environment and animal health?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nI have seen some changes, although limited to certain farms. In particular, the introduction of forced ventilation<\/strong> and timed water spraying<\/strong> \u2014 especially during the summer \u2014 has partially improved environmental conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Hidden Role of Air Quality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere is a lot of discussion about nutrition and genetics, but less about air quality. How important are parameters such as ammonia, particulate matter, and CO\u2082?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThey are extremely important. They are closely linked to the onset of disease. The issue is that there is still no widespread, continuous monitoring of these parameters. In addition, efficient systems to regulate gas concentrations are often lacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Air exchange itself is not easy to manage: it varies depending on the season and the structure of the buildings, and it can significantly affect temperature and humidity inside the barns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invisible Problems, Real Consequences<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCan you share a case where an \u201cinvisible\u201d problem had significant effects?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nI have observed differences in the occurrence of certain diseases between summer and winter in naturally ventilated barns. In winter, air exchange was limited, and this had a clear impact on animal health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heat Stress and Practical Solutions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSummers are becoming increasingly hot. What do you observe in animals under heat stress?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAnimals seek relief and, as a result, tend to reduce their feed intake. This has a direct impact on growth and productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An effective solution I have seen is the use of timed large-droplet water spraying<\/strong> in the pens, which helps reduce heat stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\nData and Microclimate Monitoring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nToday it is possible to monitor almost everything in real time. How important is it to have constant data on the microclimate?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is essential. Data is the starting point. However, it is equally important that all stakeholders understand how to interpret this data and have the tools to act on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, structural limitations of the buildings represent a significant obstacle to restoring optimal conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technology and the Role of the Veterinarian<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nArtificial intelligence and predictive systems: support tools or a replacement for the veterinarian?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThey will be support tools. They will enhance the veterinarian\u2019s role and enable the development of precision livestock farming<\/strong>, where data can predict the state of animal welfare or distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTransparency and Consumer Communication<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn France, there is an animal welfare labeling system. What is your view on this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAnything that increases transparency towards consumers is positive. However, I have some doubts about the criteria and the entities responsible for assigning these ratings, as well as the potential consequences for farmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sustainability: Vision or Reality?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFarms that give back to the environment: utopia or reality?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is a concrete path, but it requires innovation and, above all, economic sustainability. In Italy, we will also face a significant decline in labor, which could complicate this transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Welfare Becomes an Economic Advantage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSustainability is often seen as a cost. Are there cases where it has become an economic advantage?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nYes. Investments in biosecurity<\/strong> \u2014 both internal and external \u2014 and in disease prevention generate tangible economic returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\nReducing animal density is another key factor for welfare, but it is more difficult to reconcile with economic sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking Ahead to 2036<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLooking ahead to 2036, what will be the main challenge?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThere will be two main challenges: addressing infectious diseases \u2014 also linked to climate change \u2014 and integrating technology into daily management, especially to compensate for labor shortages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis interview with Dr. Foresti highlights a reality that is often overlooked: in modern farming, what cannot be seen can make all the difference. Microclimate, air quality, and environmental management are no longer secondary aspects, but central elements for animal health and economic sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between technological innovation, climate change, and new production demands, the future of livestock farming increasingly depends on the ability to read, interpret, and manage complex data. In this context, the role of the veterinarian is not reduced but transformed: from observer to orchestrator of increasingly sophisticated systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Introduction In intensive farming, attention is often focused on nutrition, genetics, and productivity. Yet a less visible \u2014 but equally critical \u2014 dimension plays a decisive role in animal welfare: the microclimate. Air quality, ventilation, and the control of temperature and humidity are silent factors that can determine the health \u2014 or vulnerability \u2014 of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":9770,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9769","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9769","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9769"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9769\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9774,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9769\/revisions\/9774"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9770"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9769"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9769"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9769"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}