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From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety

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A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Food Safety and Zoonosis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 8631

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Dr. Panagiotis Simitzis

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Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
Interests: milk quality; dietary antioxidants; animal welfare
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Athanasios I. Gelasakis

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
Interests: animal health and welfare; herd health management; veterinary epidemiology; one health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The health and welfare of farm animals are central to ethical and sustainable production, ensuring the safety and quality of animal-derived foods. Good welfare and health management can enhance productivity, reduce disease incidence, and limit antimicrobial use, aligning with global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote public health. In contrast, poor welfare conditions can increase stress, immune suppression, and disease susceptibility, ultimately compromising the quality of meat, milk, and eggs.

This Special Issue, “From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety”, seeks to advance interdisciplinary research linking animal welfare, veterinary medicine, food safety, and public health under a One Health framework. We welcome the submission of original research articles and reviews addressing welfare assessment, health management strategies, housing and feeding systems, the role of veterinarians in welfare assurance, and impacts on product quality and safety. Studies on precision livestock farming technologies, climate change challenges, policy frameworks, and consumer perspectives are also encouraged.

Dr. Panagiotis Simitzis
Dr. Athanasios I. Gelasakis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

farm animal welfare
animal health
food safety
product quality
antimicrobial resistance
precision livestock farming
sustainable production
housing and feeding systems
one health
consumer perception

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

17 pages, 5769 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Assessment of Livestock Heat Stress in Thessaly Region of Greece Using ERA5-Land Reanalysis and Temperature–Humidity Index

by Vasileios G. Papatsiros, Eleftherios Chourdakis, Georgios Tsegas, Lampros Fotos, Georgios I. Papakonstantinou, Alexandra V. Michailidou, Dimitrios Gougoulis, Konstantina Dimoveli, Evangelos-Georgios Stampinas, Eleftherios Meletis, Irene Valasi and Christos Vlachokostas

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(5), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13050434 - 29 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1115

Abstract

In the Mediterranean principality of Thessaly, Greece, heat stress has become an environmental limitation on animal production and welfare. This study aims to quantify livestock heat stress using the temperature–humidity index (THI) and assess its spatial and temporal distribution across Thessaly during the warm seasons from 2020 to 2025, based on ERA5-Land reanalysis data. For selected livestock units, hourly air temperatures and dew point temperatures were used to generate and calculate maximum temperature fields and the THI under outdoor conditions, with no directly measured physiological responses in animals, but potential heat stress exposure was evaluated using THI derived from ERA5-Land data. The results reveal persistent thermal hotspots in the central and southeastern Thessalian plain, where maximum daily temperatures frequently exceeded 38–40 °C and locally surpassed 45 °C during August. THI values regularly exceeded 72, indicating productivity decline, and reached 82 during peak summer months, corresponding to high and severe stress categories. Mountainous regions were consistently 6–10 °C cooler and exhibited lower THI levels. Thermally stressful conditions extended from May through September, indicating sustained seasonal exposure rather than isolated heatwave events. The spatial coincidence between intensive livestock production and high-THI zones suggests structural vulnerability under current climate conditions. These findings offer a spatially explicit assessment of climate-driven thermal risk and support the development of targeted mitigation strategies and climate-resilient livestock management in Mediterranean agricultural regions. They also offer a data-driven foundation for integration into emerging Digital Twin frameworks for predictive livestock management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety)

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16 pages, 2873 KB

Open AccessArticle

A One Health Computational Framework for Identifying PA Endonuclease Inhibitors Against Contemporary H5N1 Avian Influenza

by Manos C. Vlasiou

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(4), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13040385 - 16 Apr 2026

Viewed by 494

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b continues to circulate globally across wild birds, poultry, and an expanding range of mammalian hosts, highlighting the need for antiviral strategies that address the animal–environment–human interface. The influenza A polymerase acidic (PA) endonuclease, a key enzyme in viral transcription, represents a conserved antiviral target across host species. In this study, we present a computational prioritization framework integrating homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and physicochemical filtering to identify candidate PA endonuclease inhibitors relevant to a One Health context. Homology models of contemporary H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b PA sequences were constructed based on the crystallographic template 6FS8 and used for cross-host docking against a targeted ligand library. Docking analysis identified baloxavir, a reference inhibitor, and entecavir, a nucleoside analog, as compounds of interest, with entecavir demonstrating favorable binding behavior, particularly in the poultry-associated model. Molecular dynamics simulations of the poultry PA–entecavir complex indicated stable interaction over 170 ns, supported by low structural deviation and favorable binding free energy (ΔG ≈ −85 kJ/mol). Physicochemical profiling suggested that entecavir possesses properties such as high polarity and predicted aqueous solubility, which were considered within the translational filtering step of this computational workflow. However, these properties do not establish antiviral efficacy or practical suitability for field use. The study provides a structured framework for integrating cross-host structural analysis with basic translational considerations, supporting the identification of candidate compounds for further biochemical and virological evaluation within the context of H5N1 control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety)

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15 pages, 261 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Airborne Microbial Load on Four Housed Dairy Farms

by Gergana Bachevska, Georgi Beev, Dimo Dimov, Elena Stancheva and Toncho Penev

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(4), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13040357 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 495

Abstract

Airborne microbial contamination in dairy cattle housing is strongly influenced by housing conditions and management practices. This study evaluated the influence of environmental and housing parameters on total bacterial, coliform, and mold levels across four dairy farms. Microclimatic variables, including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, bedding moisture, air volume per cow, particulate matter (PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₁₀), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), were measured. Comparative analyses showed that air volume per cow and bedding moisture were consistently associated with variability in total microbial and mold counts, while particulate matter and wind speed were linked to differences in airborne coliforms. Generalized linear mixed models indicated that most environmental variables did not have statistically significant effects, with the exception of farm type for coliforms and temperature for molds. The predominance of non-significant environmental effects, together with more consistent differences observed between farms, suggests that variability in airborne microbial levels is more strongly associated with farm-specific management and housing characteristics than with individual environmental parameters. Overall, the findings highlight the combined influence of housing design, management practices, and environmental conditions, emphasizing the importance of optimized ventilation and bedding management to improve air quality in dairy cattle housing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety)

12 pages, 268 KB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Dietary Protein Source (Soybean Meal vs. Canola Meal) and Meat Quality Traits in Feedlot-Fattened Indigenous Dairy Lambs

by Panagiotis Simitzis, Michael Goliomytis, Eirini Tsimpouri, Aphrodite I. Kalogianni, Marianna Lagonikou, Agori Karageorgou, Gregoria Dandoulaki, Efthimios Touranakos and Athanasios I. Gelasakis

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(4), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13040327 - 27 Mar 2026

Viewed by 699

Abstract

Although soybean meal (SBM) is generally used as the main protein source in livestock diets, canola meal (CM) appears as a sustainable alternative, since it lowers diet cost, especially when regionally produced, while still meeting animal nutritional needs. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the effects of dietary protein source (SBM vs. CM) on carcass traits and meat quality characteristics of feedlot-fattened dairy lambs. A total of 193 weaned lambs, approximately 3 months of age, from two indigenous Greek dairy breeds (75 Chios and 118 Serres), were used. Lambs were randomly assigned to one of two isocaloric and isonitrogenous dietary treatments: a control ration containing SBM as the primary protein source, and an alternative ration in which SBM was completely replaced by CM. After a fattening period of 13 weeks for Chios lambs and 15 weeks for Serres lambs, animals were slaughtered upon reaching a live weight of 35–40 kg, and hot and cold carcass weights were recorded. After 24 h of carcass storage at 4 °C, Longissimus lumborum muscle was sampled and used for the measurement of pH, colour attributes, cooking loss, shear force, and intramuscular fat content. Lipid oxidation was evaluated on days 1, 3, 6, and 9 of refrigerated storage at 4 °C. The substitution of SBM by CM as the main dietary protein source did not affect carcass traits in Serres lambs, whereas CM- treated Chios lambs showed an increased hot and cold carcass weight (p < 0.05). Meat quality characteristics were not affected by the dietary treatment in either Chios or Serres lambs, with the exception of meat oxidative stability that was deteriorated in CM compared to SBM Serres lambs (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the utilization of canola instead of soybean meal did not negatively influence carcass traits or meat quality characteristics in either Chios or Serres lambs, with the exception of lipid oxidation which was significantly higher in CM supplemented Serres lambs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety)

16 pages, 580 KB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Tributyrin Supplementation During the Perinatal Period Is Associated with Improved Ewe Milk Quality and Lamb Growth Performance, Immunity, and Antioxidant Status

by Xu-Nan Gao, Xin-Le Zhang, Jian-Xin Zuo, Yuan-Xiao Wang, Pei-Yong Chen, Yan-Li Zhang, Feng Wang and Yi-Xuan Fan

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(3), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13030231 - 28 Feb 2026

Viewed by 459

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of tributyrin supplementation on the immune and antioxidant status of lambs born to perinatal Hu ewes with negative energy balance (NEB) at 75%. Twenty healthy Hu ewes (average body weight 45.00 ± 5.00 kg) with similar body condition score, pregnant for 100 days with twin lambs, were randomly allocated into two groups: NEB group and 0.5% tributyrin supplementation group (TB). Lambs were artificially fed with milk from their respective maternal groups for 42 days and were classified as L-NEB (n = 20) and L-TB (n = 20). The experimental period lasted from 40 days before delivery to 42 days after delivery. At 42 days of age, five male lambs from each group were randomly selected and euthanized for analysis. Tributyrin supplementation significantly increased fat-corrected milk yield, milk fat content, and colostrum fat yield in perinatal ewes (p < 0.01). Lambs in the L-TB group exhibited improved growth performance compared with L-NEB lambs (p < 0.05). Serum triglyceride concentration at 7 days of age was 68.4% higher, and serum triglyceride and glucose concentrations at 42 days of age were 42.9% and 13.9% higher, respectively, in the L-TB group than in the L-NEB group (p < 0.05). In addition, the L-TB group showed a 39.2% lower serum IL-1β concentration at 7 days and significantly downregulated hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression at 42 days, together with enhanced antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that dietary tributyrin supplementation at 0.5% in perinatal undernourished ewes, applied under a controlled NEB feeding regimen, may improve milk composition and, consequently, enhance growth performance, immune status, and antioxidant capacity in lambs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety)

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13 pages, 769 KB

Open AccessArticle

Milk Biomarkers and Herd Welfare Status in Dairy Cattle: A Machine Learning Approach

by Daniela Elena Babiciu, Anamaria Blaga Petrean, Sorana Daina, Daniela Mihaela Neagu, Eva Andrea Lazar and Silvana Popescu

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13010022 - 25 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 798

Abstract

Routine milk-recording data may provide valuable insights into dairy cow welfare, although their ability to accurately reflect herd-level welfare outcomes remains unclear. This study explored the associations between routinely collected milk biomarkers and farm-level welfare status using a comparative machine learning approach. Using the Welfare Quality^® (WQ^®) protocol, 43 commercial dairy farms were classified as Enhanced, Acceptable, or Not Classified. Farm-level milk variables included somatic cell count (SCC), differential somatic cell count (DSCC), fat-to-protein ratio (FPR), fat, protein, casein, lactose, urea, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetone, total plate count (TPC), and morning milk yield. Kruskal–Wallis tests revealed significant differences among welfare classes for DSCC, SCC, lactose, and milk yield (False Discovery Rate-adjusted p < 0.05). Six machine learning algorithms were trained using 10-fold stratified cross-validation. The Elastic-Net (ENET) model showed the highest mean performance (Accuracy = 0.72 ± 0.19; Kappa = 0.56 ± 0.31), followed by Random Forest and Multilayer Perceptron (Accuracy = 0.70). Model accuracy exhibited substantial variability across cross-validation folds, reflecting the limited sample size and class imbalance. Across models, the most influential variables were SCC, DSCC, lactose, milk yield, FPR, fat, and urea. Overall, the findings provide preliminary and exploratory evidence that routine milk biomarkers capture welfare-relevant patterns at the herd level, supporting their potential role as complementary indicators within data-driven welfare assessment frameworks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety)

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15 pages, 292 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Dietary Shrimp Waste on Physical Properties, Chemical Composition, Amino Acid Profile, and Antioxidant Levels of Breast Meat

by Esin Ebru Onbaşılar, Umut Can Gündoğar, Hilal Çapar Akyüz, Yeliz Kaya Kartal, Sakine Yalçın, Emirhan Nemutlu, Tuba Reçber, Mustafa Feyzullah Akyüz, Duru Onbaşılar, Banu Yüceer Özkul, Necmettin Ünal and Ceyhan Özbeyaz

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(12), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12121130 - 27 Nov 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1152

Abstract

Utilizing waste materials in broiler diets supports the principles of the circular economy and promotes environmental sustainability. However, it is essential to ensure that such practices do not compromise meat quality or composition. This experiment evaluated how incorporating shrimp processing waste into broiler diets influences breast meat physicochemical properties, nutrient composition, amino acid profiles, and antioxidant properties. A total of 315 Ross 308 male broiler chicks were allocated to diets containing varying inclusion levels of shrimp waste and reared for 42 days. At the end of the feeding period, seven birds from each treatment group were selected for slaughter, and a total of 35 breast muscle samples were collected for laboratory analyses. Parameters including pH, color, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, nutrient content, amino acid composition, and antioxidant indices were determined. Dietary shrimp waste did not influence pH₁₅ but increased pH₂₄ values. Lightness and redness remained unaffected, whereas yellowness increased. Cooking loss, water-holding capacity, and nutrient composition were not significantly altered. Alanine and aspartic acid levels decreased in groups supplemented with shrimp waste, whereas glycine content increased in the group receiving 1% shrimp waste during the first 10 days. Antioxidant parameters and the oxidative stress index were also unchanged. These findings indicate that incorporating shrimp waste into broiler diets can enhance feed sustainability without compromising meat quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety)

Review

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17 pages, 1089 KB

Open AccessReview

Brushing as Environmental Enrichment in Dairy Cattle: Effects of Different Brushing Modalities on Behavior, Health, and Production

by Sandra Patricia Maciel-Torres, Alexis Ruiz-González, José Felipe Orzuna-Orzuna, Pablo Arenas-Báez, Jonathan Raúl Garay-Martínez and Lorenzo Danilo Granados-Rivera

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(5), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13050450 - 2 May 2026

Viewed by 533

Abstract

In recent years, brushes have been increasingly implemented on dairy farms to improve animal welfare, health, and productivity. This study presents a narrative review of scientific studies published over the past decade, selected based on their evaluation of brushing effects on behavioral, physiological, and production parameters in dairy cattle. The evidence consistently indicates that access to brushes increases grooming behavior and is associated with reductions in stress-related indicators, supporting improved animal welfare. In addition, brush use has been linked to improved hygiene and may serve as a non-invasive behavioral indicator of health status, as reduced usage has been associated with conditions such as metritis and lameness. In contrast, evidence regarding productive responses remains more variable. Some studies report increases in milk yield and changes in milk composition; however, these effects are not consistently observed and appear to depend on factors such as animal characteristics, management conditions, brush accessibility, and study design. Overall, brushing appears to be a promising enrichment strategy, but further standardized and long-term research is required to better establish its effects on production and reproductive performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety)

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Other

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14 pages, 1300 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Clinical, Pathological, and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Pasteurella multocida Infections in Extensively Reared Rabbits in Western Romania

by Vlad Iorgoni, Livia Stanga, Paula Nistor, Alexandru Gligor, Janos Degi, Bogdan Florea, Gabriel Orghici, Ionica Iancu, Cosmin Horatiu Maris, Ioan Cristian Dreghiciu and Viorel Herman

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(5), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13050485 - 17 May 2026

Viewed by 317

Abstract

Pasteurellosis is a major bacterial disease of domestic rabbits, commonly associated with respiratory disorders, abscesses, reproductive pathology, and systemic infections. This study investigated the occurrence, clinical manifestations, pathological lesions, and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates obtained from rabbits raised in traditional extensive systems in western Romania, with identification of Pasteurella multocida performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). A total of 308 rabbits from 23 holdings were clinically examined, necropsied when applicable, and subjected to bacteriological analysis. Clinical signs compatible with pasteurellosis were observed in 132 rabbits (42.9%), including respiratory diseases, abscess formation, otitis, and reproductive disorders. Samples collected from affected and deceased rabbits were cultured and analyzed using MALDI-TOF MS, confirming 87 isolates as P. multocida. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the VITEK 2 system revealed high resistance to tetracyclines (63.22%) and beta-lactams (55.17%), while higher susceptibility was observed for enrofloxacin (91.95%), gentamicin (89.66%), ciprofloxacin (86.21%), and florfenicol (80.46%). The presence of multidrug-resistant isolates highlights the need for laboratory-guided antimicrobial therapy and improved biosecurity measures in traditional rabbit holdings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety)

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13 pages, 652 KB

Open AccessOpinion

The Future Toolbox for Managing Ketosis in Dairy Cow Herds: A European Key Opinion Leader Consensus

by Celien Kemel, Angelique C. M. Rijpert-Duvivier, Nina Strus, Florian Guigui and Frédéric Vangroenweghe

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(4), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13040344 - 1 Apr 2026

Viewed by 688

Abstract

Ketosis is a major metabolic disorder that significantly impacts dairy cow health, welfare, and farm profitability, posing challenges to both farmers and veterinarians. This opinion paper, derived from expert panel discussions and a review of the scientific literature, provides a comprehensive, proactive approach to modern ketosis management. It addresses the critical need for increased farmer awareness, emphasizing the veterinarians’ involvement as consultants and data interpreters and equipping them with essential skills in data analysis, communication, and farmer education. This paper also details a practical toolbox of diagnostic, therapeutic, management, and preventive strategies, including precision technologies and welfare-enhancing practices, to optimize metabolic health, enhance productivity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of dairy farming. This expert consensus translates scientific knowledge into practical on-farm actions, empowering farmers with risk-based insights and equipping veterinarians with tools and strategies for success. Ultimately, the consensus of our opinion paper reflects an industry-wide transition toward absolute transparency in diagnostic reporting, based on reliable data that creates an indispensable foundation for evidence-based ketosis management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety)

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16 pages, 470 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Good Veterinary Practices for Managing the Colostral Period in Dairy Calves to Improve Their Immune Competence—A Systematic Review

by Elena Stancheva and Toncho Penev

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(12), 1205; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12121205 - 16 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1142

Abstract

Passive transfer of immunoglobulin G (IgG) through colostrum is essential for early immune protection in dairy calves. This systematic review synthesizes the most relevant evidence on colostrum quality, feeding practices, storage methods, and post-feeding assessment. High-quality colostrum (≥50 g/L IgG and low bacterial contamination) can be reliably assessed using Brix refractometry (≥22%) or radial immunodiffusion. Early administration is critical: feeding within 1–2 h after birth maximizes IgG absorption. Providing 8.5–10% of body weight (≈3–4 L) at first feeding, followed by a second feeding within 8–12 h, significantly reduces failure of passive transfer. Pasteurization at 60 °C for 60 min and controlled freezing maintain immunological integrity while reducing microbial load. Monitoring passive immunity using serum total protein (5.0–5.5 g/dL) or serum Brix (8.1–8.5%) offers practical field diagnostics aligned with the IgG ≥ 10 g/L threshold. Integrated colostrum management protocols—combining quality evaluation, timely feeding, hygienic handling, and trained personnel—are essential to improve passive immunity, health, and overall performance of dairy calves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Barn to Table: Animal Health, Welfare, and Food Safety)

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