ResearchGroup

Description: The Sustainable Livestock Systems Research Group is an academic research group based at the University of Lleida (UdL). The group operates as a Consolidated Research Group (SGR) and is dedicated to addressing contemporary challenges in livestock systems by combining scientific research with practical applications. With a focus on sustainability, climate change mitigation, and precision animal nutrition, the group aims to contribute to the development of environmentally friendly and economically viable livestock production systems. The group is led by Prof. Joaquim Balcells, a full professor with extensive expertise in animal nutrition and sustainable livestock systems. He is joined in leadership by Prof. Daniel Villalba, another full professor whose expertise complements the group's goals in environmental sustainability and livestock management. Together, they provide strategic direction, ensuring that the group’s research aligns with global trends and addresses critical industry challenges. The research team includes a diverse array of members with specialized knowledge in various fields: Prof. Joaquim Balcells: Expertise in animal nutrition and nutrient utilization efficiency, Prof. Daniel Villalba: Specialist in sustainable livestock management and environmental impact mitigation, Dr. Beatriz Serrano Pérez: Associate professor (Professora Agregada) with expertise in immune response, reproduction, and oxidative stress in livestock, Dr. Gabriel de la Fuente: Associate professor (Professor Agregado) concentrating on gut microbiota, ruminal fermentation, and microbial community dynamics, Dr. Ahmad Reza Seradj: Assistant professor (Professor Lector) with a strong background in gas emissions, sustainable feeding systems, and livestock-environment interactions and Dr. Esther Molina: Associate professor (Professora Titular) specializing in sustainable systems, environmental assessments, and mitigation strategies for livestock-related emissions. This multidisciplinary team allows the group to tackle a wide array of scientific and practical challenges, enhancing its ability to deliver impactful results. The Sustainable Livestock Systems Research Group focuses on integrating scientific research into practical solutions for the livestock sector. Their primary research areas include: 1. Climate Change Mitigation The group works on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts associated with livestock systems. Key initiatives include: • Evaluating the use of local and sustainable feed ingredients. • Investigating dietary interventions to reduce methane emissions. • Exploring the role of additives in mitigating environmental impacts. 2. Precision Nutrition and Feeding The group aims to optimize livestock diets to enhance efficiency and productivity while minimizing waste. Specific areas of interest include: • Tailoring feeding strategies to the nutritional needs of different genetic types. • Reducing the reliance on human-edible feed ingredients by integrating agricultural by-products. 3. Livestock Health and Welfare Research efforts focus on improving animal health and welfare through: • Early intervention programs promote robustness in livestock. • Studying the impacts of heat stress on animal health and productivity. • Identifying genetic and environmental factors affecting livestock resilience. 4. Sustainability and Circular Bioeconomy Promoting a circular bioeconomy is a cornerstone of the group’s mission. They explore: • The integration of locally produced forages and by-products into livestock systems. • Methods to reduce dependency on arable land and human-edible food sources. • Sustainable intensification techniques that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Key Achievements 1. Scientific Publications The group has an impressive portfolio of publications in high-impact journals. Notable works include studies on: • Nitrogen fluxes in dairy cattle housing systems. • The impact of protein restriction on ruminal fermentation and microbial communities. • Nutrient utilization efficiency in concentrate-based diets. These studies have contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of sustainable livestock systems, earning recognition within the academic community. 2. Research Projects The group has successfully undertaken numerous competitive and non-competitive research projects, including: • H2020 GenToRe: Exploring the efficiency and resilience of beef cattle. • Optimization of Mediterranean Protein Resources: Investigating sustainable protein sources for light lamb production. • Dietary Condensed Tannins: Studying the effects on meat quality and shelf-life in lamb and pork. 3. Technology Transfer and Knowledge Dissemination The group actively engages with stakeholders to transfer knowledge and promote sustainable practices. Highlights include: • Workshops and training sessions for farmers on precision feeding and organic livestock production. • Participation in conferences and roundtable discussions on sustainable animal production. • Publishing articles in professional and scientific journals to reach a broader audience.

ResearchLine

Description: Evaluation of Nitrogen recycling and Nitrogen loss and potential improvements for its reduction in sustainable livestock production The Nitrogen loss throughout the manure management cycle will be evaluated, from its production in various livestock housing systems to its application as fertilizer in agricultural fields. The understanding of nitrogen emissions at each stage will be enhanced, with a focus on identifying strategies for reducing emissions. The impact of different housing systems, manure management practices, and application techniques on nitrogen emissions and agricultural sustainability will be analyzed. Additionally, the effects of manure management and agricultural practices on soil microbial communities will be explored, focusing on their role in mitigating or exacerbating nitrogen emissions. The goal is to develop sustainable solutions to reduce nitrogen loss, improve agricultural productivity, and minimize environmental impacts within livestock production systems.

CareerDevelopment

Objectives

• Increased employability in the non-academic sector
• International mobility
• Building collaborative networks
• Application of postdoctoral grants (MSCA, Juan de la Cierva, etc.)
• Involvement in teaching, supervision, or mentoring

Expected Outputs

• PhD defense
• Application of grants (MSCA, Juan de la Cierva, etc.)
• Publication of articles
• Attendance to international conferences

Training Skills

• Project Management
• Communication to the civil society and public engagement
• Gender and diversity dimension of research
• Teaching
• Supervision
• Policy making, such as Green Deal and sustainable practices
• Research Valorization
• Business skills, negotiation, marketing
• Training for job interviews, CV writing
• Spanish