The Group

Our current activities focus on several key areas:

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

We are pioneering methods to reduce methane emissions from livestock, a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. Our research includes developing non-invasive techniques to monitor and mitigate these emissions, ensuring a more sustainable future for animal agriculture.

Enhancing Efficiency and Quality in Animal-Source Food Production

Our group is committed to improving the efficiency and quality of animal-source food production. By optimizing nutrition and management practices, we aim to produce healthier and more productive livestock, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

Countering Climate Change Impacts

We are actively researching ways to counter the impacts of climate change on animal health and productivity. This includes studying the effects of extreme weather conditions and developing strategies to enhance the resilience of livestock systems.

Innovating in Animal Welfare Monitoring and Improvement

Animal welfare is at the heart of our research. We are developing advanced monitoring systems using data science and precision livestock farming techniques to ensure the well-being of animals. Our goal is to create environments where animals can thrive, leading to better health and productivity.

Upcoming Events and Conferences

Join us at the 45th Swiss Animal Nutrition Conference on May 27, 2025, at AgroVet-Strickhof, where we will share our latest findings and innovations. Additionally, members of our group are part of the organising and scientific committees of the 1st Artificial Intelligence 4 Animal Science conference, highlighting the role of AI in advancing animal nutrition research.

Publications

Recently, the Animal Nutrition Group has published several impactful studies. One key publication, "Enhancing quality of dairy cattle research through adequate power analysis" focuses on improving the precision of dairy cattle research. Another significant study is a meta-analysis examining the effects of niacin supplementation on dairy cow performance during the transition or lactating period. Additionally, research was published on hydroponic fodders as alternative feeds for ruminants, demonstrating their potential to reduce ruminal methane emissions.

See our full publication list here: Link