77th EAAP Annual Meeting
07/11 September 2026 - Hamburg, Germany

Sessions

Cattle

Physiology

  • 3 - When genetic potential meets production reality: implications for the animal
    This session will explore the relationship between breeder-predicted genetic potential and the phenotypes expressed by high-performing farm animals in modern production systems. Across dairy cattle, broilers, laying hens, and fattening pigs, health, welfare, and functional challenges are observed in some contexts, including skeletal disorders, metabolic disturbances, tissue damage, and altered behaviours. Although contemporary breeding programs increasingly emphasize health, robustness, and welfare, differences between genetic potential and realized phenotypes still arise. These reflect complex interactions among genetics, physiology, nutrition, management, and environment. Using examples across species, the session will bring together perspectives from genetics, physiology, and animal welfare to discuss how genotype–phenotype relationships can be better understood and aligned through integrated, system-level approaches.
  • 70 - Improving fertility in Farm Animals
    This session will focus on new research and innovation supporting the understanding and improvement of reproductive function in livestock species
  • 71 - Interactions between dietary minerals and intermediary metabolism
    This session will focus on the underlying physiology of mineral nutrition and its impact on intermediary metabolism and tissue function in livestock
  • 72 - Animal microbiomes  – moving forward from taxonomic to functional information – in conjunction with the Horizon 2020 Holoruminant project
    This session will focus on the translation of livestock microbiome research to applied solutions for livestock production
  • 73 - Cow-Calf-Contact systems: physiological consequences
    Prolonged cow-calf contact (CCC) has gained growing attention in both science and society. Originally introduced in dairy farming to enable natural behaviors such as suckling and maternal bonding, CCC is now studied more broadly for its potential effects on animal physiology. Current research increasingly addresses knowledge gaps concerning growth, health, metabolic processes, milking characteristics, and reproductive performance in both cows and calves. Globally, a rising number of research groups are studying the physiological implications of CCC systems. This proposed theme for EAAP 2026 could also be of relevance to other EAAP commissions, including Health & Welfare, Livestock Farming Systems, and Cattle.
  • 74 - Physiological Disturbances on Livestock due to Microplastics and Other Pollutants
    Environmental contaminants such as microplastics, nano-plastics, antibiotic residues, and other pollutants are increasingly entering livestock systems and affecting multiple physiological pathways. This session will explore how these contaminants interact with key organs—particularly the gastrointestinal tract, but also the liver, kidneys, reproductive tissues, placenta, endocrine system, and immune functions. We welcome contributions that investigate mechanisms of toxicity, translocation, metabolic disruption, oxidative stress, and physiological adaptation. Studies using in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro models are encouraged. The session aims to advance risk assessment and mitigation strategies to support more resilient and sustainable livestock production
  • 75 - Impact of early life nutrition on growth physiology and carcass characteristics of livestock.
    The focus of this session will be on the concurrent and latent effect of diet and plane of nutrition during early life on muscle, fat and organ development and on carcass characteristics at slaughter in cattle, sheep and pigs.

Genetics

Horse

Health and Welfare

  • 33 - Animal welfare on-farm, during transport and at slaughter
    Ensuring high animal welfare at farm-level, during transport and at slaughter remains a critical responsibility and a rapidly evolving field. This session explores innovative strategies that prioritise the animal’s experience at every stage—minimising stress, fear, and pain. Speakers will examine science-based handling practices, and advanced technologies such as precision monitoring, improved vehicle design, and humane stunning systems. Ethical considerations, societal expectations, and regulatory progress will also be addressed. This session also welcomes the results of the aWISH project (HorizonEurope- animal welfare indicators at the slaughterhouse).
  • 34 - Protecting animal welfare in situations of marginal care
    While protection of animal welfare on farm, transport and at the slaughterhouse under routine conditions has been addressed by researchers and legislation for a long time, the management of animal welfare in marginal situations has raised attention only recently, also as a consequence of the increase of challenging events, such as health issues as well as extreme weather events. Thus, this session will host contributions addressing the management of livestock slaughter and killing related to unexpected events, such as floods, fires, or vehicle crashes, as well as euthanasia/culling decisions related to ill animals, old animals, and unwanted males at any point in the farming system.
  • 35 - Rethinking sustainability from a One Welfare perspective
    Farmers and consumers too often occupy polarised sides in the debate about the future of livestock farming and food production. In reality they share a lot in common in terms of simply desiring a fair income and fair pricing from sustainable and fair food production systems. Similarly in spite of the crucial role it plays in supporting the sustainability of food production systems, farm animal welfare is poorly appreciated and seen to conflict with providing a fair income for farmers and increasingly with environmental concerns. Consumers too are heavily criticised for apparently not being willing to pay for animal welfare while they hold a priori expectations that farmers are doing a good job of meeting animals welfare needs. This Discovery session will based around the theory that these conflicts could be resolved through adaptation of the One Welfare framework which recognises the interconnectivity of humans, animals and the environment they share.
  • 36 - Limitations of PLF in improving animal welfare
    Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) tools are generally thought to lead to improved animal welfare through better monitoring and advanced farmer decision support, however, external validation of these claims is often lacking. This session will explore some factors that lead to limitations and missed opportunities when it comes to practical animal welfare improvements through PLF use. In addition, animal welfare risks associated with the use of technology on farms will be discussed. Furthermore, we will explore how technological reliance shifts the role of farmers from 'stockperson' to 'data manager' and how this process impacts human-animal relationships.
  • 37 - Positive welfare indicators
    For decades, animal welfare assessment has focused primarily on the assessment of negative states. This session explores the scientific shift toward positive animal welfare; the identification and validation of indicators that describe positive life experiences and measure cumulative welfare outcomes, taking into account both positive and negative events throughout an animal’s life. It will address the development and practical integration of objective and subjective measurable indicators with the potential to represent positive experiences and cumulative life experiences. The session also includes results from European projects such as the LIFT COST Action.
  • 38 - Production diseases with particular focus on neonatal morbidity and mortality
    In spite of good knowledge of the underlying risk factors, neonatal morbidity and mortality in small ruminants and cattle, especially calves born to the dairy herd, remains stubbornly unchanging over the past decades. Disease and death in young animals represents a significant loss of farm income and contributes to the wastage of valuable resources. Importantly it is also associated with suffering which is not only a concern to animal welfare but also threatens the livestock sectors social licence to farm. In this session we invite papers that will challenge animal scientists and the larger livestock industry to discuss reasons for the lack of progress in this area and to highlight examples of where successes have been achieved and why….
  • 39 - Novel approaches to addressing the 3Rs and improving the ‘culture of care’ of animals in the poultry and animal sciences
    This session highlights novel experimental and computational approaches that advance the principles of the 3Rs—replacement, reduction, and refinement—while fostering a stronger culture of care within livestock research. Emphasis will be placed on the use of powerful and ethical model systems to enhance in vitro–in vivo translation and cross-species insights relevant to animal and human health. A particular focus will be on animal welfare, especially the identification and mitigation of negative affective states such as discomfort and stress. Participants will also explore emerging methods to quantify affective states—spanning behavioural, physiological, and cognitive indicators—and how these tools can inform the refinement of animal management, housing, equipment, and experimental protocols. Integrative modelling will also be discussed as a means to link cellular, epigenetic, and physiological data across fertility, nutrition, reproduction, aging, longevity, and other health and physiological study targets. By combining systems biology with innovative in vitro and in silico platforms, participants will discover strategies that reduce animal use, enhance welfare assessments, and ensure the ethical treatment of animals in research. Ultimately, the session aims to catalyse a humane, scientifically robust, and translationally meaningful approach to animal research and agricultural innovation.
  • 40 - From threat to response – biosecurity in times of African Swine Fever, Avian Influenza and other infectious diseases
    African swine fever, avian influenza and other infectious diseases are occurring with increased frequency, exposing vulnerabilities in pig and poultry production and global trade. In this session we examine how optimized biosecurity measures and farm hygiene in general can mitigate the impact of such threats. Presentations will address risk pathways, surveillance innovations, and the integration of technological, management, and policy approaches to disease prevention. Practical experiences from farms and regions facing outbreaks will highlight both successes and persistent gaps in implementation. Moreover, the impact of hygiene measures in general will be addressed. By fostering collaboration among scientists, veterinarians, industry, and authorities, the session aims to support more resilient systems and a proactive culture of animal health protection

Insects

Livestock Farming System

Nutrition

Pig

  • 65 - Early career competition (pigs& poultry)
    This Early Career Competition, organized by the Pig and Poultry Commissions, highlights contributions shaping the future of pig and poultry production particularly in the fields of genetics, nutrition and farm management. Open to researchers and professionals aged 38 or younger, the session welcomes abstracts presenting original scientific developments in the sector. Presentations will be evaluated for scientific excellence, originality, and the overall quality and clarity of delivery, offering a valuable platform for early career experts to showcase their expertise. In addition, the winner will be awarded a free registration to attend the EAAP Congress 2027 in Dublin.”
  • 66 - Challenge session: the future of pig production research: Who needs researchers if we have AI?
    Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we collect, process, and model data in pig research—accelerating discovery from barn to publication. From precision monitoring to predictive analytics, AI opens new frontiers in animal science. This session challenges researchers to explore how we can leverage AI today—and how it will reshape the questions, methods, and roles of tomorrow’s research.
  • 67 - Young pig management and nutrition. Link with pig paradigm (invited speakers)
    Litter size in pigs has increased dramatically in recent years and because of this, pigs are now more vulnerable in the pre and post weaning periods. Furthermore, the 2022 ban on therapeutic levels of ZnO and increased restrictions on antibiotic use in the EU mean that good pre- and post-weaning management and nutrition is now more critical than ever before.  Abstracts that address improvement in pre- and post-weaning pig management and nutrition to increase piglet survivability, intake and growth and/or lessen the requirement for antibiotic treatment are welcome in this session.
  • 68 - Resilient pigs in resilient farming systems – health, welfare and robustness in practice. How to cope with changing expectations and legislation
    The resilience of pigs can be enhanced by raising them in systems that support their natural behavior, preferences, and physiology. This session addresses alternative strategies that can help raise resilient pigs by improving the current systems using new feeding and management strategies, enrichment, or new housing systems.
  • 69 - Efficiency and mitigating emissions in pig production – strategies to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses, including amino acid nutrition
    Mitigating emissions is a major challenge for sustainable pig production. What measures can be implemented to enhance the efficiency of pig farms, while concomitantly reducing nitrogen and phosphorus losses? Nutrition, genetic selection, health, manure management, farming practices: every lever counts when improving performance while limiting environmental impact.This session will explore recent innovations and knowledge that can reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses, and, more broadly, the environmental footprint of pig farming systems.

Precision Livestock Farming

  • 76 - PLF Innovations for Livestock in Outdoor and Agroforestry Systems
    This session will explore PLF related innovations for livestock integration in outdoor and agroforestry systems. Topics include the application of new IoT technologies, remote sensing, digital tools, and novel management strategies aimed at optimizing productivity while enhancing ecosystem services.
  • 77 - Sound-based monitoring in livestock farming systems – potential for PLF
    This session will cover the basics of acoustic animal monitoring. We welcome studies that deal with an introduction to bioacoustics and sound patterns in farm animals, an overview of sensory technologies (microphones, arrays, edge devices), and/or typical acoustic signals of different animal species (coughing, grunting, calling, screaming) that are associated with the ethology and welfare of animals. The objectives of potential contributions are, on the one hand, to create an understanding of how animal sounds are related to health, behavior, and well-being, and, on the other hand, to explain the relevance of acoustic data and techniques for PLF applications.
  • 78 - The next generation of innovations in PLF: Virtual Reality, Robotics, Digital twins and the like
    This session welcomes abstracts about the newest innovations in precision livestock farming. What is next? What can we envision in the future? Using virtual reality to enhance farmer training, using robots to help on the farm, building digital twins to simulate future actions or to advice presciptive actions. Any novel innovations in livestock monitoring, technology and algorithms are welcome.
  • 79 - PLF technologies from research to practice: co-creation, start-up, scale-up, introducing farmers to technology
    This session will explore the dynamic transition from academic research to market-ready innovations, co-innovation projects, and industrial R&D in animal science. It will feature case studies of successful product development processes, translational research through spin-offs, and emerging startups in animal AgriTech. contributions can also include short pitches from early-stage ventures.The session is designed to foster dialogue at the frontier of innovation and application.
  • 80 - Frugal Digital Innovation: reducing complexity and costs of PLF technologies
    Obstacles to the diffusion of Precision Livestock Farming remain significant, as many solutions are difficult to deploy due to their high cost, operational complexity, and the difficulty for users to interpret system outputs. This session explores how to simplify PLF technologies to make them more user-friendly, robust, and affordable. Expected contributions focus on frugal approaches: reducing sensor and infrastructure costs, simplifying algorithms, improving energy efficiency, and limiting overall system and output complexity. Case studies of low-tech or hybrid solutions demonstrating strong performance-to-cost ratios are particularly welcome. The goal is to identify pragmatic innovations that support broader and more sustainable adoption of PLF tools.
  • 81 - Ethics, Data Management and Data Standardization in PLF with the future of AI
    As animal science moves deeper into the era of big data and AI, the ethical use, effective management, and standardization of data have become essential foundations for meaningful analysis and trustworthy innovation. The transition from traditional datasets to high-frequency, multimodal data streams calls for new frameworks, shared languages, and robust infrastructures that safeguard data quality, comparability, and long-term value, while also respecting ethical principles around animal welfare, transparency, and responsible innovation. This session, presented by the SENSTARA Working Group under the Precision Livestock Farming Study Commission, will explore how ethics, data governance, and standards will shape the next decade of PLF and animal science. Our keynote speaker will address emerging priorities, structural and ethical challenges, and the practical steps required to harmonize data across research, industry, and technology ecosystems. By highlighting opportunities for alignment and identifying the barriers that currently limit progress, the session aims to chart a path toward deeper scientific insight, interoperability, and responsible AI deployment in livestock and animal science, ensuring that technological advancement remains rooted in ethical practice and long-term sustainability.
  • 82 - Bridging physiology and precision livestock farming: practical warning systems for metabolic and environmental disturbances
    This joint session aims to bring together expertise from animal physiology and Precision Livestock Farming to explore how physiological knowledge can enhance sensor-based monitoring and early-warning systems in farm animals. The focus is on identifying meaningful physiological markers, translating them into reliable sensor signals, and evaluating how these technologies can detect metabolic disorders, heat stress, environmental deviations, welfare compromises and other disturbances at an early stage.
  • 83 - Precision livestock feeding: Innovations and technologies optimizing animal welfare, productive performance and feed utilization
    Livestock precision feeding will be approached by covering the application of technology and data analytics to optimize the individual animal's diet and management, focusing on improving efficiency, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability. Studies about a) Individual animal monitoring and data collection, b) Data analytics and decision support tools, c) Automated feeding systems, d) Nutritional strategies, e) Impact assessment, f) Integration with other disciplines and, g) Standardization and methodologies are welcomed. This session ultimately aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical on-farm implementation, fostering collaboration between scientists, industry professionals, and farmers.
  • 84 - Digital Innovations for Welfare and health focused Livestock Management
    This session focuses on the use of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) to enhance animal welfare and health, together with the development of digital solutions that enable informed livestock management. We welcome contributions on sensors, automation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and real-time monitoring systems that support early detection of welfare issues, improve decision-making, and promote sustainable and welfare-oriented livestock production.

Poultry

  • 85 - Next-generation breeding strategies for resilient and ethical poultry production
    This session will focus on innovative breeding approaches to prepare poultry production for future challenges. Topics include genetic strategies to enhance resistance to diseases (avian influenza), novel selection traits to improve resilience under heat stress and other climate-related pressures, and next-generation breeding goals that balance efficiency, robustness, and ethical considerations such as welfare-friendly alternatives to current practices. The session aims to highlight cutting-edge research that supports sustainable, resilient, and socially responsible poultry production systems.
  • 86 - Integrative perspectives on gut, metabolic, and musculoskeletal health in poultry
    This session will explore the interplay between gut health, metabolic function, and musculoskeletal integrity in optimizing poultry performance, welfare, and product quality. Emphasis will be placed on recent advances in microbiome dynamics, nutrient absorption, and the regulation of metabolism and immunity, with relevance to enhancing resilience and efficiency across diverse production systems. From an industry perspective, the session will address practical challenges such as lameness, metabolic disorders, and inconsistent product quality, highlighting the urgent need for integrative solutions that are both scientifically grounded and commercially viable. These strategies will be discussed in the broader context of sustainability, aligning animal health and welfare with the evolving demands of modern poultry production and the delivery of safe, healthy food.
  • 87 - Management practices for sustainable poultry (and livestock) systems: welfare, biodiversity, and life cycle perspectives
    This session will explore management practices and breeding approaches that promote sustainable livestock production systems across the entire production cycle — from early development to slaughter. Discussions will focus on interventions that enhance animal health, resilience, and productivity, while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and environmental stewardship. We invite contributions on strategies to improve welfare, preserve genetic diversity and biodiversity, and reduce environmental footprints. The session aims to highlight innovations that integrate ethical, resilient, and future-oriented farming systems.
  • 88 - Phosphorus and other critical raw materials in poultry – joint EAAP–WPSA
    This session will address current challenges and innovations in the efficient use of phosphorus and related nutrients in poultry production. It will explore how genetic background, nutrition, and the gut microbiome influence phosphorus metabolism and support sustainable resource use to reduce dependency on critical raw materials and enhance nutrient efficiency in poultry systems.
  • 89 - Artificial intelligence applications in poultry and pig farming systems
    Artificial intelligence (AI) applications and sensor based technologies are rapidly transforming decision making, precision management, and welfare assessment in poultry and pig production systems. This session will highlight recent advances in machine learning, computer vision, automatic behavior recognition, precision feeding, environmental monitoring, and data driven welfare and health assessment. The session will feature research that applies AI tools to improve physiological understanding, behavioral monitoring, engineering solutions, genetic evaluation, management practices, and sustainability in modern poultry and pig production systems.

Sheep and Goat

  • 90 - Animal Welfare Aspects and Future Perspectives in Sheep and Goat Production
    The sheep and goat sector should proactively provide improvement strategies or alternatives for management practices that diminish animal welfare. This includes castration, tail docking etc. and also health and nutrition management practices that diminish animal welfare. This session is designed to discuss alternative strategies and assess the impact of various management approaches on animal welfare. Additionally, the session aims to focus on innovative approaches, such as motivational strategies and digital training, to enhance farmer engagement. Some of the current key performance indicators used in flocks can also be considered welfare indicators by examining the variation in these indicators.
  • 91 - Advances in feed production and conversion efficiency and small ruminant nutrient utilization
    More extreme and varying weather conditions often lead to sub-optimal feed amounts and quality. In addition, improving feed efficiency and nutrient utilization in small ruminants is essential to enhance productivity while reducing feed costs and environmental impact. This session puts advances in small ruminant feed production, conversion efficiency and effective nutrient utilization in the focus, and welcomes abstracts presenting cutting-edge research results from pasture based and other systems, that may also include microbiome effects as well as approaches to address contextual limitations, such as e.g. landscape conservation contracts that prohibit the use of certain types of feed in specific regions or systems.
  • 92 - Digitalization, artificial intelligence and Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) in Small Ruminants: From Sensors to Decision Support.
    This session focuses on exploring the role of sensors, image analysis, and AI-driven decision systems for feeding, welfare, reproduction and overall management in sheep and goats. It may also include research findings on embryo technologies and cryopreservation and their integration into sustainable breeding programs as well as PLF developments for assessing environmental aspects, climate change effects and the integration of welfare and behavioral data within decision-support systems. We further welcome contributions on digital farm platforms, enabling seamless integration of sensor data, automation tools, and real-time analytics to support more efficient and resilient small-ruminant production systems.
  • 93 - Product differentiation and valorization in the small ruminant sector, including ecosystem services.
    Sheep and goat products vary widely in value and contribution to farmer income depending on the country, production system priorities, and market orientation. Dairy and meat products can either be mainstream or niche products, while other products such as wool may also be variably valued of importance across regions. This session welcomes abstracts presenting research findings on all aspects of small ruminant product differentiation and valorization. We also encourage contributions on consumer perception, certification schemes, and quality-label strategies, as these increasingly shape market demand and value creation for small ruminant products. In addition, the session invites abstracts on assessing the overall (not only monetary) value of landscape management, biodiversity maintenance and other ecosystem services provided by small ruminants. The session aims to explore whether improvements in meat and milk quality can be pursued in harmony with other changes in management practices to meet different production and sustainability goals.
  • 94 - Small Ruminant Genetics, Genomics, other -Omics and Breeding Advances to improve production and sustainability
    This session focuses on advances and innovations in small ruminant genetic, genomics, and other -omic findings to improve sheep and goat production and sustainability. We welcome studies integrating multi-omics approaches (e.g. transcriptomics, metabolomics) and functional validation of candidate genes, as these can deepen our understanding of biological pathways underlying key traits. Genetic studies to breed sheep and goats for climate resilience, including resilience to extreme weather conditions, microbiome aspects and disease resistance, would be of special interest.