Genetics, welfare and sustainability: the future of livestock farming according to Professor Istvan Komlosi
Today, for the ELV/EAAP chats, we speak with Dr István Komlosi, Director of the Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology, and Biodiversity at the University of Debrecen, in Hungary. A specialist in genetic selection, Dr Komlosi explains how breeding strategies can enhance animal welfare, reduce medication use, and minimise environmental impact — key concerns for consumers and policymakers alike.
His main point is that biosecurity comes first. Preventing disease through strict hygiene, animal movement control, and clean environments is the most cost-effective strategy. Then comes precision livestock farming, which utilises digital tools and sensors to monitor animal behaviour, detect health issues early, and intervene without the need for routine medication.
He shares an example from Canada: a breeding company developed “Immunity Plus”, a program that selects bulls with genes linked to strong immune systems. Their offspring require fewer treatments — showing how genetics can replace pharmaceuticals in disease prevention.
Komlosi also debunks a persistent myth: the use of growth hormones in livestock. Banned in the EU since 1981, they are not responsible for today’s faster-growing animals. Instead, he credits two factors: genetic selection and targeted nutrition. With genomic tools, breeders can identify superior traits within days of birth. At the same time, feed is optimised with precise amino acid, mineral, and vitamin balances to support healthy growth.
His teaching method is hands-on: when visiting a farm, students should first assess cleanliness, then feed quality, and finally animal behaviour — shiny coats, bright eyes, and active movement are signs of good health. Welfare isn’t hidden in data; it’s visible in the animals.
On sustainability, Dr Komlosi highlights a shift in breeding goals. Today, animals are also selected for resource efficiency and lower emissions. One example is Residual Feed Intake (RFI), which measures the efficiency with which animals convert feed into growth or milk. Some companies now combine genomic selection with methane emission tracking, while researchers explore forages that reduce emissions.
In short, genetic improvement today is not just about productivity. It’s about animal health and welfare, as well as sustainability, grounded in science and far from the simplistic narrative of animal exploitation. For Komlosi, a well-managed animal is a healthy one — and a healthy animal means better food, less medicine, and a smaller environmental footprint.