HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-03: Microbiome for terrestrial livestock sustainability and health within a One Health approach

Genetics and animal breeding 

In the current context of reduced antibiotic use, the climate change emergency and the limited availability of resources, efficient and sustainable animal production requires more robust, resilient animal populations that use food better. 

In the Genetics and Animal Breeding program, we develop selection strategies to improve feed efficiency in pigs and rabbits and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the case of pigs, we also study the genetic basis of their immune capacity to improve immunocompetence and disease resistance. For this reason, we also study the role of the microbiota on immunity, efficiency and animal welfare. 

At the same time, in a context of digital transformation, we also work on digitalization, 4.0 technologies and data science applied to animal production and improvement. The program manages BDporc, a system that collects and analyzes Spanish pig production data with reference information and decision-making tools. Using technology, we develop systems that monitor animal behavior, health and welfare through artificial intelligence. 

Animal Nutrition 

We conduct research in feed manufacturing and monogastric nutrition. Our research contributes to addressing nutritional challenges in the intensive production of monogastrics, pigs and poultry, with a special focus on nutrition’s impact on animal welfare and health, ensuring food safety and reducing environmental impact, thus contributing to food supply and local development. 

 Aquaculture 

Within this framework, the Aquaculture Program of IRTA conducts research on both new and established aquatic species to improve their quality, domestication, nutrition, productivity and sustainability in commercial aquaculture, while fostering innovation and developing new biotechnological methods. Strategic research and applied technologies are developed for the breeding, reproduction and cultivation of fish, molluscs, crustaceans, aquatic plants and algae living in marine, brackish and freshwater environments. Particular emphasis is placed on the care and health of farmed animals, contributing to consumer safety and environmental protection. Our research is also focused on environmentally responsible production systems with low environmental impact such as integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), recirculation systems, and aquaponics. Furthermore, our knowledge on aquaculture is used as a tool to support the conservation and reintroduction of endangered species. The Centre of la Ràpita (Tarragona) where the Aquaculture Program runs its activities has been commissioned for the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM-FAO) as an Aquaculture Demonstration Centre on Restorative Aquaculture that aims to promote low impact aquaculture practices and a hub of innovation and knowledge transfer across the Mediterranean basin. 

 Animal Health 

The domestication and breeding of livestock has led to the need to find treatments to cure or prevent animal diseases, some of them related to wildlife. On the other hand, it must be taken into account that 75% of the infectious diseases that affect humans come from animals, known as zoonotic diseases. Faced with the challenges of globalization and climate change, a multidisciplinary cross-cutting approach is needed that includes human, animal and environmental health ( One Health ). 

In the Animal Health program we are dedicated to studying animal and zoonotic diseases, their epidemiology and improvements in diagnosis and control, as well as developing effective prevention tools, such as vaccines. The objective is to guarantee the health and well-being of animals and their derived products intended for human consumption to achieve healthy, safe and high-quality food. In addition, we offer technological and innovative support to companies in the agri-food and pharmaceutical sectors, and to public administration. 

A5 Ruminant Production 

The ruminant production program aims to support the dairy and beef cattle sector in incorporating research-based strategies to produce milk and meat sustainably. 

 Animal Welfare 

Animal welfare is recognized as one of the fundamental pillars of sustainable livestock farming, not only for its impact on productive efficiency, where it has an unquestionable impact, but also for the ethical and social dimension of sustainability itself, since a system cannot be sustainable if it is not morally acceptable. The direct effect of welfare on productive efficiency, on the environmental impact and social acceptance of livestock farming makes it an essential element of sustainable livestock farming. 

The science of animal welfare uses a definition based on five criteria: that the animal has good nutrition, an adequate environment, good health, appropriate behavior and a good mental state.