Special Session 15

Animal welfare assessment represent one of the most important tools for livestock scientists and practitioner to communicate with the different stakeholders. Along with checklists and on farm protocols exploring management, structures and animal-based measures (ABMs), determination of oxidative and immune status, non-invasive measurements of hormones as well as the application of data science and innovative nutritional protocols became crucial instruments to explore the issue under a holistic approach.
The objective of this Special section is to discuss the present evidence regarding animal welfare assessment in livestock species, propose new ideas based on new approaches and moving beyond the actual state of the art toward a new system in which welfare, health and sustainability can pursue the same goal.

Claudio Forte
education and Profession: Graduated in Veterinary Medicine, Specialised in in "Inspection of Foods of Animal Origin, PhD in Animal Health, Livestock Production and Food Safety (XXVIII cycle – University of Perugia). Associate Professor in Animal Science (SSD AGR 19) at the Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Turin. He carries out didactic and practical activities for both Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science students. Teaching assignments: Animal Handling for the Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Welfare and Precision Livestock Farming for the Master’s Degree in Animal Science. Research: Coordinator of a National Project on Livestock Sustainability (Prin2020) and of different research projects with private bodies. Participant of numerous researches funded by private and public companies regarding livestock. He is author of more than 40 international publications. Speaker at national and international conferences and Associate Editor or reviewer for scientific journals. He is a member of the Animal Welfare Commission of ASPA.

Laura Ozella
education and Profession: Graduated in Veterinary Medicine and in Evolution in Human and Animal Behaviour, PhD in Biology and Applied Biotechnologies, Doctoral School in Science and Innovative Technologies (University of Turin). Researcher in Animal Science (SSD AGR 19) at the Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Turin. She carries out didactic and practical activities for both Production and Management of Livestock and Wildlife, and Animal Science students. Teaching assignments: Precision Livestock Farming for the Master’s Degree in Animal Science, Livestock science and Applied Statistics for the Bachelor’s Degree in Production and Management of Livestock and Wildlife. Research: Involved in numerous researches funded by private and public companies regarding the use of animal-based sensors, cameras and non-invasive approaches for the evaluation of welfare and social behaviour of livestock species. She is an author of more than 20 international publications. Speaker at national and international conferences and reviewer for numerous scientific journals.