The Contribution of Genetic Selection to Animal Welfare and Sustainability: Interview with Prof. Peer Berg
In this interview, we speak with Professor Peer Berg, a leading expert in animal breeding and genetics. He shares insights from his work and his efforts to promote sustainable innovation in European livestock farming.
Professor Berg emphasises the growing importance of genetics and genomics in addressing climate change. While genetic selection has long improved productivity, today’s challenge is to boost efficiency while reducing environmental impact. This includes selecting animals better suited to changing climates and more sustainable systems.
Genetics also plays an increasingly important role in animal welfare. Berg explains it’s now possible to select animals that are more social, less aggressive, and more resistant to disease, traits that improve group living and reduce suffering in livestock systems.
He also notes the impact of genetics on the nutritional quality of animal products. For instance, modern pigs are leaner, and chickens grow faster and more efficiently, not due to growth hormones (which are forbidden in the EU), but through targeted, natural selection.
The conversation broadens to the ecological value of livestock. Animals like cattle and sheep play a crucial role in maintaining open landscapes and preserving biodiversity. In the Nordic countries, reindeer (managed minimally) are not only ecologically important, but also central to the cultural and economic life of the Sami people.
Berg also describes the work of EAAP’s Commission on Animal Genetics, which organises scientific sessions, evaluates research contributions, and fosters collaboration across Europe. These efforts aim to align research and policy, ensuring shared progress toward more sustainable farming.
In closing, Professor Berg emphasises that genetics isn’t just about productivity; it also impacts climate, welfare, nutrition, and culture. Investing in research and cooperation is essential to secure a responsible and sustainable future for agriculture across Europe.