In recent years, the world of livestock farming has undergone a profound transformation. While attention was once focused mainly on genetics and nutrition, another determining factor is now emerging strongly: the farming environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We interviewed Dr. Daniele Boscariol, a bovine practitioner, farm veterinarian, and reproductive consultant for several farms in the Lodi, Milan, and Pavia areas, to understand how practices in barns are changing, what often invisible challenges exist, and what role technology\u2014and veterinarians\u2014will play in the coming years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ventilation. The improvements made in ventilation are, in my opinion, what have had the strongest impact on improving welfare. I\u2019ve seen clear improvements especially in July and August: when I started working, there weren\u2019t all these fans\u2014or at least they weren\u2019t as effective as they are today\u2014and I\u2019ve really seen a major improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, humidity coefficients are taken into account, along with many other factors. In fact, we now use fans even in winter, when we used to think they should be turned off and left to collect cobwebs. Now they may run at a low speed, but they help circulate the air, improve ventilation, and enhance air quality by reducing gas concentrations, making the air more breathable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is, in my opinion, one of the most evident changes of recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I believe they are fundamentally important. Just look at barns from the 1970s compared to those built today. Back then, barns were completely closed, with many windows that could be opened or shut, and large doors that were often kept closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, instead, you often have just four pillars and side curtains to reduce wind while still allowing essential airflow. Perhaps also due to climate change, the situation has completely changed. Ventilation has improved, and we no longer have those unlivable conditions of closed barns with strong ammonia odors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the same time, we see improved production\u2014not just because of genetics. If we take animals with strong genetic potential and push their nutrition, they actually suffer more in poor environments compared to more rustic animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If I think of a Valdostana cow kept in a small stable all winter, it doesn\u2019t have major issues. But if I take a high-producing dairy cow with a very intensive feeding regime, it would certainly struggle much more in poor air conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes. There was a farm with slurry tanks located to the north. Since we are in the Po Valley, the prevailing winds also come from the north, carrying ammonia and other gases into the barn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In that barn, we observed clear respiratory issues \u2014 not severe, but worsening at certain times of the year. By installing angled fans to improve air circulation, we managed to reduce these problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though we \u2014 like the animals \u2014 get used to the smell and stop noticing it, gases such as ammonia, methane and hydrogen sulfide are still present in large amounts, and they do cause issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve partly answered this already: ventilation is the key. Thanks to improved ventilation, I no longer see animals with their tongues out, struggling to breathe, reducing feed intake and drastically dropping milk production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The situation has improved significantly. Animals are clearly more comfortable \u2014 I don\u2019t see those extreme conditions anymore, with animals heavily panting, soaked or visibly distressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Considering that temperatures have increased, this is a major improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Absolutely \u2014 it allows us to focus on prevention. Having data means we can anticipate problems instead of intervening only after disease appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monitoring gives us the ability to prevent situations from worsening, which is exactly what modern veterinary medicine aims for: prevention rather than reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t think AI can replace veterinary expertise. However, it can be a very useful tool for data processing and making information immediately accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can turn raw numbers into something meaningful and actionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At this stage, it would likely help. Of course, we shouldn\u2019t push it to extremes or demand unrealistic changes that require massive investments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But providing reassurance to consumers that animals are not mistreated is important. It\u2019s a useful communication tool and can also help address existing concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the same time, it supports better production and improved animal health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s realistic, but still a long road ahead. That said, you always have to start somewhere \u2014 the first step is essential, and then you need to keep moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The environment is not just a marketing concept \u2014 it directly affects our own health. Especially here in the Po Valley, we need to improve conditions, otherwise even the air we breathe could worsen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ventilation is probably the most evident example. In the past, a drop in production during summer was almost taken for granted: \u201cIn July cows produce less milk \u2014 it\u2019s normal, it\u2019s too hot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was also considered inevitable to lose some animals due to heat stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, however, this is no longer the case. With proper ventilation, there are no significant drops in production during July and August, nor losses related to heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This translates into a clear economic advantage: greater production continuity, fewer unproductive days and more stable herd management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, you gain consistency, efficiency and reduced losses \u2014 and that\u2019s the most visible benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t see these as separate issues, but as three deeply interconnected aspects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They represent the key points we must consider: climate change, technological evolution and the ability to use these tools to face new conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For this reason, they cannot be separated. All three are essential and must be addressed together, with an integrated and coherent approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interview with Dr. Boscariol highlights a key point: the evolution of livestock farming increasingly depends on often invisible factors such as air quality, ventilation, and microclimate management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, the challenge is not only to produce more, but to produce better\u2014with greater attention to animal welfare, efficiency, and prevention. In this context, technology and human expertise do not replace each other\u2014they reinforce one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The future of livestock farming will therefore be increasingly based on data, awareness, and adaptability\u2014but also on valuing the people who work in the sector every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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