Adapting Animal Production to Changes for a Growing Human Population

We need high quality animal science to help meet the rising demand for livestock products which can be produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Global demand is expected to double during the first half of this century, as a result of the growing human population, and its growing affluence. Over the same period, we expect big changes in the climate globally, which may impact on the resources available for food production. As a result, concerns on environmental impacts, animal welfare, and food security are emerging as important issues for animal production in many developed countries. Furthermore, the need to increase production in developing countries is crucial. Advances in animal science are essential for integrating information from new discoveries and techniques, as for instance in the molecular biology field, into practical knowledge applicable to whole animals and their products. Animal science can make a significant local and global contribution for resolving conflicts among stakeholder priorities and for translating scientific knowledge into economic and social benefit. The conference will provide an opportunity to shape the future of animal production.

The purpose of the conference is to enable participants to have a holistic approach to challenges to which animal scientists, professionals and students should respond in the future. Scientific conferences and seminars held worldwide tend to deal with specific issues concerning particular aspects of animal production. However, there is a lack of courses looking at animal production as a whole system, where challenges and opportunities influencing animal science and production are reviewed together and then put it into a global perspective. The Ensminger Conference Adapting animal production to changes for a growing human population will be held at the University of Lleida, Spain (UdL), on May 19-21, 2010, with the aim of bringing together animal researchers, industry representatives, and students to share and discuss on issues directly impacting the future of animal production.

The conference will feature invited speakers from around the world and will provide an opportunity for delegates to present posters with their latest research. Featured focal areas of the guest speakers and national and international delegates will be Global Trade, Animal Biotechnology, Animal Health, Nutrition and Animal Welfare, Quality and Safety, and Professional Training. Key outcomes expected for this Conference are: (1) the exchange of updated information about urgent topics in animal agriculture; (2) the sharing of visions for future impacts and applications of new technologies on animal production systems; and (3) the compilation of the presented reviews and contributions.