Livestock Production Science 60 (1999) 187–189

Commission on cattle production

C Thomas (President)Food Systems Division, SAC Auchincruive, Ayr KA6 5HW, Scotland, UK

1. Background ning to look further into the future with considerationof the implication of embryo transplantation and the

Detailed records of the proceedings for the Com- need ‘for geneticists to consider this subject moremission dating from 1951 show the trends in ac- positively’.tivities over time. During this early period, the In the Dublin meeting of 1989, a session on theCommission was chaired by Ir Rijssenbeck with M modification of hormonal and neural regulation ofDelage as secretary. The main subject for debate metabolism was followed by one on the use ofduring these years, as exemplified by the report of exogenous hormones to control the performance of

ththe 10 meeting of the Commission in Brussels, cattle. This session raised the profile of the wholewere the management and functioning of herd books issue of the technical possibilities / safety versus thein the different countries in Europe, the methods of perception of ‘need’, a debate which has resulted inassessing the value of carcasses in beef animals and the ban by the EU of such materials as growththe possibility of agreeing standard measurements promoters and BST.and, finally, the effect that the emerging reproductivetechnologies (e.g. AI) would have on genetic pro-gress. Dr Engeler succeeded as President in 1962 and 2. Current situation and future perspective

threcords of the 20 meeting held during 1968 inDublin show Prof Delage in the chair. Animal Several new issues have had a major influence onBreeding (applied genetics) continued to be a domi- cattle production in the late 90s and these willnant theme throughout this period but there was continue as challenges into the new millenium.evidence of increasing links with other Commissions Firstly, the impact of structural reform in Centralas other topics such as the problem associated with and Eastern Europe. The EAAP task force has

thcattle housing were discussed. The 30 anniversary examined the consequences of the vast changes andwas held in Stockholm under the presidency of Prof two sessions were held on this topic. The most recentPolitiek. Subjects discussed included breeding in Warsaw in 1998 documented the marked falls inpriorities for improved reproduction and disease the number of cattle across all the countries to aboutresistance – a topic that has continued into the 90s. 70% of their previous values in Russia and PolandSimilarly, consideration of the nutritional challenges and, at the extreme, to about half of the 1989 valueof the high yielding cow, again presaging the con- in Slovakia, Romania and Lithuania (see Meyn et al.,cern in the 90s about metabolic stress in high genetic 1998). Clearly each country is different but themerit animals. In joint sessions with other commis- structural changes in cattle production systems thatsions at this time, the cattle commission was begin- need to take place represent a major challenge,

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188 C. Thomas / Livestock Production Science 60 (1999) 187 –189

particularly in relation to the impact on the enlarged discussed in detail over the next years. We must alsoEuropean Union. give consideration to welfare in housing, during

The second challenge relates to food safety. The transport and in the abattoir. We must assure theBSE crisis, particularly in the UK but also now in public that high welfare standards are maintainedother European countries, continues to have a major throughout the whole of our cattle industry.impact not only on the livelihoods of farmers but Finally, European cattle production must bealso on the perception by consumers of the safety of competitive in the world market. The WTO regula-beef. Increasing concerns about organisms such as E. tions will result in those states in the EU beingColi 0157, understanding the epidemology of the increasingly exposed to the world market. Thisorganism on farms and minimising risk during means that the gains in the efficiency of productionprocessing will be a major challenge. Training of over the last 50 years must continue and therefore westaff on the farm, in the abattoir and in the process- must continue to research into the new technologiesing plant will play a key role in minimising risk. No of reproduction, genetic manipulation and moleculardoubt other organisms will be set to pose future biology to advance our understanding of animalproblems and increased surveillance and traceability processes. However, we must do it in a way that isof food throughout the whole food chain will be key sustainable and meets the needs of consumers. Thegoals. Close collaboration with the Commission on artificial division between production (pre farm gate)Management and Health will be essential and food is fast disappearing. Cattle producers are a

The environmental impact of cattle systems will vital part of the food chain but they do not exist incontinue to be an important factor. A joint session isolation of the need of the processors, retailers andbetween the Commissions of Pig and Cattle Pro- the public. The Commission will change to reflectduction was published in a special edition of LPS in this. Increasing emphasis will need to be placed onMay 1992. In his introduction Dr Jongebreur empha- product quality and in the effective marketing ofsised that we must build bridges between livestock animal products.science and environmental sciences. So far we have To face these challenges the Commission mustconcentrated on pollution but increasingly the need have a mission and a clear vision for the future.to protect habitats and landscape from intensiveanimal production will be a big goal, particularly asthe EU decouples subsidy from production. Cattle 3. Missionfarms throughout Europe will be increasingly re-quired to provide positive management to improve • To facilitate discussion on the future challengesthe environment. The sustainability of livestock that cattle production systems will face and tosystems was discussed at the meeting in Vienna in derive solutions to these problems.1997 and a special issue of LPS is currently being • To encourage collaboration between centres andprepared. This will provide a direction to our future groups in Europe to enable these objectives to beactivities in this area in collaboration with the met.Working Group on Livestock Systems. • To encourage the development of young scientists

The public is increasingly concerned about the and to promote education into the science ofwelfare of animals. The stresses associated with cattle production.high levels of production (particularly milk yield) • To improve the communication of research intohave been examined by the Commissions in sessions cattle production to end users and to help ensureover the last 20 years and, as new techniques come the implementation of research into practice.forward to increase the rate of genetic progress, thegap between intake and output, particularly in early This mission will be achieved by:lactation, is set to increase. This raises the questionof whether dairy cows of high genetic merit can be • organising sessions at the annual meetings of thesustained in extensive systems and that we must alter EAAP. Increasingly they will be joint sessionsour breeding goals accordingly. This subject will be with other commissions to reflect the increasingly

C. Thomas / Livestock Production Science 60 (1999) 187 –189 189

multidisciplinary nature of the challenges facing ers and farmers organisations to ensure thatcattle production. research is translated into practice.

• by creating links with other societies /organisa-tions which have interests in the whole food chainand the concerns /needs of consumers. References

• creating short life working groups to seek solu-tions to problems generated by future influences. Meyn, K., Schmitt, F. and Ochs, K.H. (1998) in Proceedings of

the 49th Annual Meeting of the European Association of• seeking funds from industry and other sources toAnimal Production. Warsaw, pp 161. Wageningen Pers.support the activities of the Commission.

• liaising with Breed organisations, extension work-