Topic Editors

Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Environment, Land Planning and Mathematics (DICATAM), Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Department of Veterinary Sciences, Università degli Studi di Messina, Piazza Pugliatti, 1, 98122 Messina, ME, Italy

The Environmental Footprint of Animal Production

Abstract submission deadline
31 March 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
31 May 2026
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1727

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The environmental footprint of animal production is an increasingly pressing concern as we strive to meet the global demand for animal products while minimizing ecological impacts. Livestock production, though associated with greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and land use, also offers notable benefits that contribute positively to ecosystems and communities. Beyond providing food, livestock play a role in maintaining biodiversity, preserving landscapes, and supporting soil fertility through nutrient cycling. These benefits include ecosystem services, preservation of traditions and local communities, and support for rural economies. This Topic aims to provide a comprehensive view of the environmental footprint of animal production, considering both the challenges and the positive contributions of this sector. We invite submissions focusing on innovative, sustainable approaches for mitigating environmental impacts while enhancing the socio-economic and ecological benefits of animal production. Submissions may address the following areas:

  • Feed efficiency improvements for lower environmental impact;
  • Ecosystem services provided by livestock, such as soil health and biodiversity conservation;
  • The role of livestock in maintaining local traditions and community bonds;
  • The economic contributions of animal production to rural and local economies;
  • The circular economy and waste minimization approaches;
  • Optimal land and water resource usage for sustainability.

Dr. Giulia Ferronato
Dr. Vincenzo Lopreiato
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • sustainability
  • livestock
  • environmental impact
  • animal production
  • environmental footprint

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Agriculture
agriculture
3.6 6.3 2011 18 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Animals
animals
2.7 5.2 2011 17.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Poultry
poultry
2.1 2.8 2022 34 Days CHF 1200 Submit
Ruminants
ruminants
1.3 2.0 2021 18.4 Days CHF 1200 Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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15 pages, 2474 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Creatinine-Based Methods for Estimating the Urine Volume of Lactating and Dry Dairy Cows with Special Consideration of Using Spot Urine Samples
by Katharina Padberg, Ulrich Meyer, Dirk von Soosten, Fabian Billenkamp, Liane Hüther, Christin Unruh, Christian Visscher and Sven Dänicke
Ruminants 2025, 5(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants5030031 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
A key factor in calculating dairy cows’ nitrogen (N) excretion is knowing the amount of daily excreted urine. The present study aimed to investigate two methods to calculate the daily urine volume (UV) excreted using spot urine samples. Data were obtained from nine [...] Read more.
A key factor in calculating dairy cows’ nitrogen (N) excretion is knowing the amount of daily excreted urine. The present study aimed to investigate two methods to calculate the daily urine volume (UV) excreted using spot urine samples. Data were obtained from nine balance experiments involving 47 lactating and seven non-lactating German Holstein cows, with an average body weight (BW) of 620 ± 95 kg and an average age of 5.6 ± 1.4 years. Daily urinary creatinine (Cr) and UVs were known for all animals. The first method was developed by linearly regressing the daily excreted amount of Cr in urine against BW (p < 0.001; R2 = 0.51; RSE: 2.8). The slope of the regression was used to calculate UV. The second method includes a non-linear regression of UV on Cr concentration in urine, allowing direct estimation of UV without knowledge of BW (p < 0.001; RSE: 8.13). Both estimation methods were compared to the standard method to determine UV from balance trials using Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland–Altman plots. The first method had a CCC of 0.81, and the second method had a CCC of 0.85. Both methods can confidently be applied to calculate UV. Therefore, the second method is usable if BW is unavailable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic The Environmental Footprint of Animal Production)
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17 pages, 922 KiB  
Article
Carbon Footprint Assessment of Dairy Milk and Grana Padano PDO Cheese and Improvement Scenarios: A Case Study in the Po Valley (Italy)
by Giulia Ferronato, Noemi Tobanelli, Paolo Bani and Luca Cattaneo
Animals 2025, 15(6), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060811 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 968
Abstract
The significance of agriculture, particularly dairy farming, in the global food production landscape has been ascertained. Farm efficiency affects how much the agri-food sector, and the dairy industry in particular, contributes to economic and environmental sustainability. This study employs an LCA approach to [...] Read more.
The significance of agriculture, particularly dairy farming, in the global food production landscape has been ascertained. Farm efficiency affects how much the agri-food sector, and the dairy industry in particular, contributes to economic and environmental sustainability. This study employs an LCA approach to evaluate the carbon footprint (CF) of Grana Padano PDO cheese production in a dairy plant, analyzing 19 farms supplying milk to the cheese factory. The results showed that milk production is the primary contributor to CF, with enteric methane emissions (34%), feed production and purchases (36%), and manure management (24%) as the main drivers. The CF of milk ranged from 0.95 to 2.14 kg CO2eq/kg Fat and Protein Corrected Milk, while Grana Padano PDO cheese (9 months ripening) ranged from 16.96 to 23.07 kg CO2eq/kg. An increase in milk yield and feed efficiency resulted in a reduction in CF per kilogram of cheese. Furthermore, the protein and casein content influenced both cheese yield and environmental performance. This study highlights trade-offs between productivity, product quality, and sustainability, emphasizing the need for tailored mitigation strategies within PDO regulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic The Environmental Footprint of Animal Production)
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