1. Global Warming Potential
Genetic Selection for Productivity and Efficiency Increases Sustainability of Animal Agriculture
1957 broiler broiler broiler at 56 days
Wolc, 2014
1972
380 kg feed  100 kg hog
2007
325 kg feed  125 kg hog
Courtesy: Graham Plastow, Univ. Alberta
% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential per unit of animal product, as a result of 20 years (1988–2007) of genetic improvement (Jones et al., 2008, based on DEFRA, UK)
Greenhouse Gasses
Global Warming Potential
CH4
NH3
N2O
Layers
-30%
-36%
-29%
-25%
Broilers
-20%
-10%
-23%
Pigs
-17%
-18%
-14%
-15%
Dairy
-16%

2. Animal Science Contributions to Sustainability
USDA NIFA Interdisciplinary Feed Efficiency Projects
Genetic Selection, Genomics, Annotation Programs
Heat Stress Impacts on Nutrition, Metabolism, Health and Performance + Genetic Interactions
Sow Longevity-Productive Lifetime Program
International programs (CSRL, Ensminger Schools)
Dairy Farm manure solids recycled for bedding
An Sci farms provide 85% of ISU compost material

3. Curriculum Changes Needed
CALS capstone course on sustainability?
Add a required sustainability component to the business plans developed in the 400-level production courses.
Add a nutrient management plan project if not required or included in production courses.
Add a “niche market” segment in production courses.

4. Industry Engagement Iowa Beef Center – Dr. Dan Loy, Director
Iowa Pork Industry Center – Dr. Jason Ross, Director
RFI International Conference, Iowa Swine Day, Dietary Fat Symposium, Dietary Fiber Symposium
Iowa Pork Producers Research Committee Workshop
ICA, IPPA, ISDA, EIC, ITF, IEC Board memberships
Short courses, regional conferences, off-campus visits, web sites, industry personnel training, advisory outreach

5. Unexplored Opportunities
Climate change (heat stress) livestock impacts
Climate change effects on crop yield/digestibility
Livestock influences on climate change
Methane and greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production systems need to be quantified for specific management variables
Indirect calorimetry chambers are needed to determine contributions and develop mathematical and extant models for increased prediction accuracy