Dairy Ruminants Rearing Systems: Between Animal Health and Farm Profitability

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, the dairy sector must address rising consumers' concern regarding welfare of farmed animals. At the same time, the profitability of the farm is essential for the sustainability of the sector itself. Therefore, management standard practices during critical biological windows (i.e., calving, weaning, puberty) must aim at helping the animals develop a robust stress response coupled with immunocompetence. Animals that are resilient and immunocompetent are characterized by a well-functioning hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, physiological functionality, and coping behaviors in the presence of multiple stressors. Altogether, these factors eventually enhance both the welfare and profitability of a farm, since a resilient animal is also a more efficient individual with better reproductive and growth performances. This Special Issue named “Dairy Ruminants Rearing Systems: Between Animal Health and Farm Profitability” explores the interrelationship between HPA axis functioning, immunocompetence, management practices, and their effect on farm profitability. We solicit original research papers as well as reviews concerning adaptive physiology, components of the heifer-raising system that may affect performances of dairy animals, and their carryover effect on farm profitability.

Dr. Alessio Cotticelli
Prof. Dr. Gianluca Neglia
Dr. Tanja Peric
Guest Editors

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