FAO publications document the importance of agriculture and food in achieving the 17 UN goals for sustainable development. They also describe the special role of animal husbandry as an indispensable component of circular-oriented and sustainable agricultural systems. However, animal husbandry also faces a number of problems. Most prominent are the emission of nitrogen compounds and greenhouse gases, the spread of antibiotic-resistant germs and the interaction between animal welfare and environmental protection.

In inter- and transdisciplinary research projects we address emissions, animal welfare and veterinary issues - from the basis to the application. These initiatives are closely linked to international activities through our leadership in international bodies and involvement in FAO, IPCC and EU Commission initiatives.

The focus of our research is on livestock-environment interaction. We measure, model and test reduction potentials of emissions, especially NH₃, CH₄, N₂O, bioaerosols and particulate matter. For this purpose we work with on-farm measurements, use mechanistic modelling with CFD simulations and reaction kinetic models, the biophysical characterisation of aerosols and the numerical modelling of their transmission processes. 
We record animal-specific adaptation reactions such as performance, vitality, disease and behaviour by using various sensors. For example, a sensor developed at ATB is used to measure respiratory rate.

We analyse the recorded data using modern methods of data science. Digital methods are already successfully applied in dairy farming. Sensor technology solutions are developed and integrated into digital processes in order to control and optimise housing environments as well as production processes in terms of a transparent, animal-friendly, environmentally friendly and economic production, while taking individual data of each animal into account.