With livestock farming facing a number of significant challenges requiring producers to revise their systems and engage with new developments, a major conference will be highlighting and debating the important role that animals play and exploring new scientific advances to improve productivity, welfare and sustainability.
After being held virtually last year, the 2022 British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) Annual Conference returns as a hybrid conference at the EMCC, Nottingham and on-line from the 12-14th April, focusing on the true role of animals on human and planetary health.
“The landscape for livestock production is evolving at a rapid pace and producers need support and help to exploit opportunities while meeting the increasing environmental and consumer demands placed on their business,” BSAS President, Professor Michael Lee comments. “The conference brings together over 40 leading speakers from around the globe to lead discussion on how farming systems can successfully evolve.”
Around a programme focussing on the latest scientific developments and research in livestock production systems, the conference will explore the wider issues shaping the industry.
“With increased interest in replacing livestock protein with alternatives based on plants or myco-proteins or even lab-grown meat, sessions will explore the role animal products have in a balanced healthy diet and the biological value of animal-based protein.
“From an environmental perspective the conference will discuss if livestock are bad for the planet, if carbon neutral livestock systems are possible and the role of grazing in delivering biodiversity and soil carbon.”
In the Hammond Lecture Professor Phil Garnsworthy from the University of Nottingham will explore how although farm animals have provided humans with essential nutrients for thousands of years, they have become demonised in the popular media, with this demonisation based on misinformation. He will argue that while animal production can provide solutions to global challenges such as food supply and sustainability, there is room for efficiency improvements.
“The conference will be of value to anyone interested or involved in animal science, through industry or academia, who work with companion animals or livestock or are involved in the care, sustainability and utility of animals,” Professor Lee comments.
For more details on attending virtually or in person and to register, go to https://bsas.org.uk/conference
