International research initiative underscores need to improve animal health as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions

In the midst of a global climate crisis, a groundbreaking initiative led by a team of multinational researchers, including an expert from the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM), is set to revolutionize the way we tackle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock production. This interdisciplinary effort underscores the urgent need to improve animal health as a means to reduce emissions and promote sustainability. 

The study, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, brings together a diverse team of researchers from numerous countries in North America, Europe and Africa. This collaboration highlights the global nature of the challenge and the collective effort required to address it.

The framework, led by professors Kyriazakis and Morgan from the Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, identifies various data sources and methodologies to estimate emissions from animal diseases and evaluates the benefits of health interventions. By focusing on parameters such as feed efficiency, mortality rates, and productivity, the researchers aim to provide a transparent and scalable approach to drive positive action.

Dr. Karin Orsel, DVM, PhD, ECBHM, professor at UCVM and study co-author says, “A healthy animal, free from parasite infections or underlying conditions, is likely to emit less greenhouse gas for the same productivity compared to an animal with health issues. Therefore, for GHG emissions, it is too simplistic to just count 'how many animals.' We advocate for quantifying emissions, including the health status of the animals.”

This stands as a rare win-win scenario. Not only does it reduce environmental impacts, but it also enhances animal welfare, production efficiency, food security, and community resilience.

The investigators emphasize the economic implications. Healthier livestock means more efficient production systems, which can contribute to local economic activity and job creation. This aligns with the University of Calgary's mission to support the community and foster economic growth. 

The research also stresses the importance of integrating animal health into national plans for emissions reduction. By leveraging existing disease surveillance data and encouraging international data-sharing, the researchers hope to create a comprehensive repository for key parameters affecting livestock emissions.

The team recommends immediate implementation of health improvement measures alongside continuous data collection to refine and validate their framework. They also call for stakeholder engagement to ensure interventions are both effective and economically viable.

The published scholarly publication also led to the creation of an actionable policy brief designed to guide stakeholders, such as governments, in implementing meaningful change. While research and scholarly articles are crucial, they are just one part of the equation. The dissemination of research to the broader public, especially policy-makers, is essential for driving actionable change.

Kyriazakis of Queen’s University says they are “very pleased to have led this team of multidisciplinary experts across the globe to address an issue of great importance with the potential of leading to immediate solutions and hence impact.”

This international team has laid the groundwork for a novel approach to reducing livestock emissions through enhanced animal health. By quantifying these benefits and integrating them into broader climate strategies, this initiative promises to advance both environmental sustainability and economic resilience. Collaboration with experts from around the world ensures the sharing of expertise and research, while local experts contribute significantly, encouraging greater buy-in from local leaders. Addressing this global challenge requires a global solution, and this initiative exemplifies that commitment.