Plenary session
Wednesday – 3 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Presentation |
|---|---|---|
| Report of the ICAR President | ||
| Agenda | Presentation | |
| 75 years of ICAR | Neil Petreny (Lactanet) and Enrico Santus (Synergy) | Presentation |
| The FAO Sustainable livestock Transformation | Thanawat Tiensin (Director of the Animal Production and Health Division at FAO) | Presentation |
| Definitions of sustainability of livestock systems, the current landscape, and its importance for global food security and environmental health | Michael Lee (Deputy Vice Chancellor Harper Adams University, FAO LEAP Scientific Advisor, WFO Scientific Council) | Presentation |
| Sustainability in dairy: the industry perspective | Pier Cristiano Brazzale (Former President of IDF) | Presentation |
| How technology meets sustainability | Claudia Kamphuis (Researcher Big Data at Wageningen Livestock Research) | Presentation |
| The 2025-2026 ICAR Brian Wickham Young Person Exchange Program (BWYPEX) | Moderated by Jo Newton (Agriculture Victoria) and Katharina Schodl (ZuchData) | Presentation |
Technical Session 1: ICAR / Interbull joint session on “Advances in Genetics and Phenotyping”
Chairs: Urs Schnyder (Qualitas AG) and Daniel Lefebvre (Lactanet) │ Wednesday – 3 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits to selection in U.S. dairy cattle after several generations of genomic evaluation | John B. Cole | Abstract | Presentation |
| Genetic associations between methane emission and other economically important traits | Bjørg Heringstad | Abstract | Presentation |
| BWYPEX: Discovery, Approval and Management of Genetic Abnormalities in Cattle | Colin Lynch | Abstract | Presentation |
| Digital Innovation at the Service of Breeders: The Synergy Portal and Mobile App for Real-Time Genetic Decision Support | Enrico Carlo Santus | Abstract | Presentation |
| Novel approach to develop robust artificial neural network for FT-MIR prediction of enteric methane emissions in dairy cows | Hélène Soyeurt | Abstract | Presentation |
| Using milk mid-infrared spectra from dairy cows to predict methane measured by sniffers and GreenFeed | Anouk van Breukelen | Abstract | Presentation |
| Prediction of methane emissions based on milk fatty acid profiles shows similar performance to milk MIR spectra | Astrid Köck | Abstract | Presentation |
| Comparing Methodologies for Deriving Methane Phenotypes from Laser Methane Detector Data in Small Ruminants | Sarah Joe Burn | Abstract | Presentation |
Technical Session 2: Validation related to the Use and Usability of Data
Chairs: Steven Sievert (DHIA) and Jonas Persson (Viking DK) │ Thursday – 4 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A new ICAR test facility to validate sniffer devices that measure methane output of dairy cows | Yvette de Haas | Abstract | Presentation |
| Comparison of Enteric Methane Repeatability Estimates Using GreenFeed and Agscent Measurement Devices | Andrew Lakamp | Abstract | Presentation |
| A scalable, automated data pipeline and interactive dashboard for high-throughput methane phenotyping | Lucas Magalhaes Alcantara | Abstract | Presentation |
| A comparison of data‑processing pipelines for methane concentration measurements from sniffers | Coralia Manzanilla-Pech | Abstract | Presentation |
| The unified framework for processing and storing large-scale sniffers-based emission data | Viktor Milkevych | Abstract | Presentation |
| Automating Data Unification, Governance, and Analytics in Animal Science: A Cloud-Native, AI-Assisted Framework | Puchun Niu | Abstract | Presentation |
| Whole-genome ICAR parentage verification certification | Ezequiel Luis Nicolazzi | Abstract | Presentation |
| Monitoring milk meters: the French experience with this practice, between innovation and user feedback | David Saunier | Abstract | Presentation |
Technical Session 3: Animal Identification and National Database
Chairs: Chair: Ken Evers (ICAR) │ Wednesday – 3 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia’s National Livestock Identification Systems (NLIS) | Elizabeth Bradley | Abstract | Presentation |
| Mexico’s Sistema Nacional de Identificación Individual de Ganado (SINIIGA) (National System of Individual Livestock Identification) | Othón Reynoso | Abstract | Presentation |
| Advancing national livestock traceability: development and rollout of Rwanda’s first cattle identification and registration | Felicien Shumbusho | Abstract | Presentation |
| Italy’s Banca Dati Nazionale (BDN) | Luigi Possenti | Abstract | Presentation |
| Australia’s National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) | Beling | Presentation |
Technical session 4: Heat Stress, Health and Welfare: Genetics and Management
Chairs: Christa Egger-Danner (ZuchtData) and Marie Haskell (SRUC) │ Thursday – 4 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novel approaches to breeding for climate-smart dairy cattle | Gabriella Dodd | Abstract | Presentation |
| Genomic prediction of heat tolerance from rumen sensor data in Australian Holstein cows | Laura Jensen | Abstract | Presentation |
| Detecting heat stress in dairy cattle using milk composition data | Marine Gelé | Abstract | Presentation |
| Prediction of dairy cows’ heat stress response from milk mid-infrared spectra for detection and genetic selection | Pauline Lemal | Abstract | Presentation |
| Actionable output developed from milk fatty acids to assess rumen health, negative energy balance and production loss in dairy cows | Ines Adriaens | Abstract | Presentation |
| Does the automation level of a dairy farm affect animal welfare? | Susanne Demba | Abstract | Presentation |
| Q Index: A nationwide welfare index based on DHI and cattle register data | Joachim Braunleder | Abstract | Presentation |
| Leveraging herd management, genetics, and DHI by integrating all three data types into a new transition cow decision tool | Robert Fourdraine | Abstract | Presentation |
Technical Session 5: From Milk Analysis to Decision Support: Unlocking Insights for Sustainable dairy management
Chairs: J. Bordeleau (Lactanet) and Maria Frizzarin (Agroscope) │ Thursday – 4 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intra- and cross-laboratory monitoring framework for MIR-integrated milk laboratory data | André Mensching | Abstract | Presentation |
| Extramir spectral proficiency test: comparison of spectral standardisation methods | Clement Grelet | Abstract | Presentation |
| Kinetic assessment of the impact of a linseed-rich diet on a milk FT-MIR–based herbage intake indicator | Dichou Killian | Abstract | Presentation |
| Modular Open-Source Framework for Spectral Phenotyping Using Neighbourhood-Adaptive PLSR to Predict Nitrogen Use Efficiency in a Dairy Herd | Ross Muers | Abstract | Presentation |
| Does MIR-based information contribute to practical decision-making on the farm? | Dale Laura Monica | Abstract | Presentation |
| Decoding lipolysis through individual free fatty FT-MIR model: Enhancing predictive accuracy through real-sample enrichment and advanced algorithms | Octave Christophe | Abstract | Presentation |
| Considerations for the Establishment of Practical Accuracy Limits for On-Farm Milk Analysers for Official Milk Recording | Robert (Rob) Orchard | Abstract | Presentation |
| Closing the Utilisation Gap: Converting Routine Milk Analysis Data into Decision Support for More Sustainable Dairy Farming | Daniel Schwarz | Abstract | Presentation |
Technical Session 6: Milk Recording in a Technology World: Providing Value Added Services and Data Exchange Solutions for Farms with Robots and Sensors
Chair: Robert Fourdraine (DRMS) │ Auditorium Room │ Thursday – 4 June 2026 (11.00-13.00)
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICAR ADE as an Enabler for Inclusive Data Integration: A Cloud-Based Herd Management Case Study from Catalonia | Tineke Ammerlaan – Sieperda | Abstract | Presentation |
| {farm-twin}: An Open-Source ICAR ADE–Aligned Farm-Scale Digital Twin | Matthew Broadbent | Abstract | Presentation |
| LiveStack: An open-source framework for creating livestock data pipelines | Braeden Fieguth | Abstract | Presentation |
| Stakeholder Role Differences in the Use of Precision Livestock Farming Technologies in Europe | Silvia Orlandini | Abstract | Presentation |
| Generative AI for Dairy Life Trajectory Modeling: Transforming Milk Recording and Sensor Data into Actionable Farm Intelligence | Asha Miles | Abstract | Presentation |
| An accurate machine learning approach to predict fat, protein and milk yield before and during lactation from test-day records | Ines Adriaens | Abstract | Presentation |
| Machine Learning Approach for Early Prediction of 305-Day Standard Lactation | Jakob Ganitzer | Abstract | Presentation |
| Reconstructing representative daily Fourier transform mid-infrared milk spectra from partial milking robot samples using machine learning | Franceschini Sébastien | Abstract | Presentation |
Technical Session 7: New Developments in Sheep, Goats and Camelids within ICAR
Chair: Jean-Michel Astruc (IDELE) │ Thursday – 3 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessing the adoption of genomic tools in sheep and goat breeding: patterns, challenges, and perspectives | Sotero Salaris | Abstract | Presentation |
| Towards ICAR Guidelines on conformation traits in dairy sheep recording | Marija Spehar | Abstract | Presentation |
| How ICAR can help in fostering cooperation across country in breeding programs: the case of the Latxa and Manech dairy sheep breeds | Jean-Michel Astruc | Abstract | Presentation |
| International collaboration for multinational evaluations in sheep | Michael Aldridge | Abstract | Presentation |
| Accelerating Digitalisation in the Dairy Goat and Sheep Sector through an Integrated ICAR ADE-Based Management Platform | Tineke Ammerlaan-Sieperda | Abstract | |
| Mid-infrared spectroscopy adapted to sheep milk for flock management, performance recording and milk processing | Gelé Marine | Abstract | Presentation |
| Standardization of goat milk MIR spectra and fatty acid prediction equations | Marion Calmels | Abstract | Presentation |
| Artificial neural networks outperform partial least squares models for fatty acids estimation using FT-MIR spectrometry on bovine milk: a first step towards transfer learning on small ruminants | Elisabeth Cabaraux | Abstract | Presentation |
| Portable NIRS spectrometer for field diagnosis of anemia in sheep infected with Haemonchus contortus | Ana Carolina Chagas | Abstract | Presentation |
| Goat colostrum immunological quality: on-farm evaluation | Maddalena Zucali | Abstract | Presentation |
Technical Session 8: From Measurement to Genetics: Methane Emission and Feed Efficiency
Chairs: Raffaella Finocchiaro (ANAFIBJ) and Rasmus Bak Stephansen (Arhus Univ.) │ Thursday – 4 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle Feed InTake – A system to identify cows, measure feed intake and body weight in dairy cattle under commercial settings using 3D cameras | Jan Lassen | Abstract | Presentation |
| Recording methane and feed intake internationally | Michael Aldridge | Abstract | Presentation |
| Heritability of feeding behaviour traits and the genetic relationships with dry matter intake in growing dairy bulls | Rhiannon Handcock | Abstract | Presentation |
| International perspectives on feed intake phenotyping and feed efficiency in cattle | Sarah-Jo Burns | Abstract | Presentation |
| Tech comparison of methane measurements devices and alternative predictors in dairy cows | Fazel Almasi | Abstract | Presentation |
| breed4green: First results from a dataset on methane emissions in commercial farms for genetic studies | Kristina Linke | Abstract | Presentation |
| Building a Global Integrated Methane Data Ecosystem: Harmonizing Measurement, MIR, and Genomic Data to Accelerate Livestock Methane Mitigation | Puchun Niu | Abstract | Presentation |
Technical Session 10: Adoption and Incentives to Breed for Methane Mitigation
Chairs: Birgit Gedler-Grandl (WUR-ABG) and Roel Veerkamp (WUR-ABG) │ Thursday – 4 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Challenges and options around incentivisation of genetic approaches to mitigation of methane emissions from ruminants | Robert Banks | Abstract | Presentation |
| Towards guidelines to validate genetic evaluations for enteric methane emissions | Jeremie Vandenplas | Abstract | Presentation |
| Approaching a crossroads in selecting for methane production: Trait definition and its consequences for breeding programs | Marc Rutten | Abstract | Presentation |
| The effect of including methane traits in selection indexes for ruminants | Julius Van der Werf | Abstract | Presentation |
| Enabling adoption of methane-reducing breeding programs through GHG accounting and MRV frameworks | Merel Moleman | Abstract | Presentation |
| Integrating Genetic Breeding Values for Enteric Methane Emissions into Carbon Accounting Frameworks | Katherine Grant | Abstract | Presentation |
| Economics of breeding schemes for improved methane efficiency in dairy cattle | Fernanda Ferreira | Abstract | Presentation |
| Assessing Breeding Strategies to Mitigate Methane Emissions in Danish Dairy Cows | Hanna-Marie Nielsen | Abstract | Presentation |
Technical Session 11: Milk Recording Supporting Sustainability Initiatives
Chair: Tone Roalkvam (TINE) │ Thursday – 4 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm sustainability index using dairy cattle recording data: the case of Slovenia | Betka Logar | Abstract | Presentation |
| Combining milk recording and other on-farm data to streamline and improve greenhouse gas emissions | Andrew Cooke | Abstract | |
| Using Bulk tank Milk Spectra to Predict Enteric Methane Emissions from Lactating Cows in Commercial Dairy Herds | Liliana Fadul | Abstract | Presentation |
| Variation of enteric methane intensity predicted from bulk tank milk in commercial dairy herds | Débora Santschi | Abstract | Presentation |
| BWYPEX Program Daily methane emission predicted from milk MIR spectra: the time of model comparison | Maria Frizzarin | Abstract | Presentation |
| Beyond milk collection: Can Indonesian dairy cooperatives lead the sustainable record-keeping transition? | Yuni Resti | Abstract |
Technical Session 12: From Guidelines to the Barn: Implementing Section 2 of ICAR’s Milk Recording Guidelines – Updates and Lessons from the Field Milk Recording Strategies in Buffalo, an Urgent Update
Chairs: Miel Hostens (Cornell Univ.) and Angela Salzano (Univ. of Naples Federico II) │ Thursday – 4 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A flexible non‑parametric approach to assessing dairy cow performance | Ivo Lagarde | Abstract | Presentation |
| BWYPEX: A unified Python implementation of standardized 305 day yield calculation methods | Meike Beatrijs Van Leerdam | Abstract | Presentation |
| Opportunities and challenges in accurate milk recording on farm in the United States | Asha Miles | Abstract | Presentation |
| The Genetic Transformation of the Italian Mediterranean Buffalo: Five Years of Progress and New Frontiers | Mayra Gomez | Abstract | Presentation |
| Bayesian Modeling of Lactation Curves in Italian Mediterranean Buffalo Using the MilkBot Equation | Lucia Trapanese | Abstract | Presentation |
| Analyzing milk recordings to support better decision‑making through AI: a case study in Italian Mediterranean Buffalo | Valentina Russo | Abstract | |
| Evaluating the Robustness of Cumulative Milk Yield Estimation Methods under Limited Test-Day Availability in Italian Mediterranean Buffalo | Lucia Trapanese | Presentation | |
| Phenotypic variation of milk antioxidant activity in Italian Mediterranean buffaloes | Matteo Santinello | Abstract | Presentation |
Technical Session 13: Exploring Current and Future Needs for the Livestock Science and Farming Community
Chairs: Ana Granados (ICAR) and Raffaella Finocchiaro (ANAFIBJ) │ Thursday – 4 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| How does rate of genetic gain impact economic optimum productive life? | Joanna Newton | Abstract | Presentation |
| European Network on Livestock Phenomics (EU-LI-PHE): an international initiative aimed at facilitating the application of phenomics in animal breeding | Luca Fontanesi | Abstract | Presentation |
| Developing a Genetic Submodule in the Ruminant Farm System (RuFaS) Model for Enhanced Whole-Farm Representation | Victor Cabrera | Abstract | Presentation |
| ICAR/IDF Sensor Initiative: Use of sensor data to monitor and improve health and welfare of dairy cattle – achievements, challenges and future perspectives | Ilka Christine Klaas and Miel Hostens | Abstract | Presentation |
| BROMEDIR – Development and evaluation of a miniaturized FT-MIR instrument for in-farm milk analysis | Mazen Erfan and Clement Grelet | Abstract | Presentation |
| Transforming routine MIR milk data into actionable tools for Dairy Herd Improvement and cheese production | Marine Gelé | Abstract | Presentation |
| HerdPlanner: model-based tactical decision support for reproduction and culling | Elmer Harms | Abstract | Presentation |
| Reimagining Animal Identification: Ireland’s Progress Towards a Fully Genotyped National Herd | Kevin Mc Dermott | Abstract |
Technical Session 14: Beef Cattle – Genetic Evaluation and Recording
Chair: Kim Matthews (EBLEX) │ Thursday – 4 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implementation of genetic evaluation for intramuscular fat in Norwegian beef cattle using ultrasound measurements | Siri Furre | Abstract | Presentation |
| Genetic parameters and breeding values for feed intake and feed efficiency traits from the Staur performance test in Norwegian beef cattle | Siri Furre | Abstract | Presentation |
| Towards standardised LR protocols for international beef cattle genetic evaluations | Gabriel Soares Campos | Presentation | |
| Genetic parameters for calving traits in Norwegian Beef-on-Dairy crosses | Ida Wøyen Hamfjord | Abstract | Presentation |
| PHENO3D: 3D phenotyping of beef calves — scaling image processing into edge-AI and extending predictions across breeds | Bruyas Maxence | Abstract | Presentation |
Manufacturers’ Technical Session
Chair: S. Sievert (NDHI) and J. Persson (Viking DK)│ Wednesday – 3 June 2026
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Sample to Value: Building future-ready, smart laboratories to extract the highest value from every milk sample | Pierre Broutin | ||
| Trusted solutions for raw milk quality testing | Daniel Schwarz | Presentation | |
| International collaboration added value for creating and spreading predictions at a large scale | Julie Leblois | Presentation | |
| GenoCells: individual somatic cell counts of dairy cows by sequencing tank milk | Jean-Bernard Daviere | Abstract | Presentation |
| DairyWise: turning dairy farm data into profitable herd decisions | Sanna Keski-Nisula | Presentation | |
| Real-Time PCR in Mastitis Diagnostics | Heidi Hiitio | Abstract | Presentation |
| Advanced In Line Milk Analyzer and Its Applications | Donatas Majus | Abstract | Presentation |
| Potential of on-line SCC in udder health management and herd improvement | Ilka Christine Klaas | Abstract | Presentation |
| Field Implementation of an Inline Milk Composition analyzer and Cloud Analytics System in Dairy Herds | Laima Andruliene | Abstract | Presentation |
Poster session
| Title | Presenter(s) | Abstract | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality of data collection and its implications for the reliability of large-scale animal science analyses | Victor Cabrera | Abstract | Presentation |
| Preliminary Evaluation of Phytogenic Dry-Off Tablet on Dairy Cow Transition Health and Performance with pH Plus Bolus from smaXtec. | Ackaert Geoffrey | Abstract | |
| Animal identification in the Bosnia and Herzegovina: current situation and possibilities | Miljan Erbez | Abstract | Presentation |
| From Sectoral Traceability to a National Identification Policy: The Role of SISBOV in the Development of Brazil’s National Cattle Identification Plan (PNIB) | Jorge Gomes | Abstract | Presentation |
| A Mobile Infrared Thermography System for Precision Phenotyping and Health Monitoring of Dairy Cows under Heat Stress Conditions | Jeng-Fang Huang | Abstract | |
| Effects of Cold Drinking Water on Panting Behavior and Milk Yield in Lactating Dairy Cows During Summer | Jeng-Fang Huang | Abstract | Presentation |
| Assessment and prediction of heat tolerance in dairy cows using blood biochemical indicators | Jeng-Fang Huang | Abstract | Presentation |
| Automated Claw Locomotion Scoring System for Dairy Cows | Chia Xin Lee | Abstract | |
| Impact of Automated Milking Systems on Productivity, Milk Composition, and Udder Health: A Case Study in Subtropical Taiwan | Jeng-Fang Huang | Abstract | Presentation |
| Optimization of Differential Somatic Cell Count (DSCC) Threshold for Enhanced Early Screening of Escherichia coli mastitis in Dairy Cattle | Ya Hsin Kuo | Abstract | |
| Raw milk composition associated with texture profile attributes of low-moisture mozzarella cheese in Taiwan | SzuHan Wang | Abstract | |
| A Farm Management Monitor for the Dairy on Bulk Milk Laboratory Testing, a longitudinal case study on a high-level producing Dutch Farm | Wim Schielen | Abstract | Presentation |
| Genomic reconstruction of pedigree records: a key step in the revitalization of the critically endangered Istrian goat | Ante Kasap | Abstract | Presentation |
| Assessing income-based economic efficiency in PDO Manchega sheep breed dairy farms: preliminary results | Manuel Luque | Abstract | Presentation |
| Animal Genetic Banking in Georgia: Conservation and DNA/RNA Sequencing of Capra caucasica and Capra cylindrica | Kakha Nadiradze | Abstract | |
| Assessing Breeding Strategies to Mitigate Methane Emissions in Danish Dairy Cows | Hanne Marie Nielsen | ||
| Automated Bottom-Reading Identification of Sample Vials to Ensure 100% Traceability in Robotic Milking Systems (Patent Pending) | Rodrigo Carnero | Abstract | Presentation |
| A comparative evaluation of conventional and automatic milking systems on performance and behaviour of dairy buffaloes | Chiara Evangelista | Abstract | Presentation |
| Modeling Lactation Curves Using Daily Yield and Milking Interval to Identify Efficient Cows in Automatic Milking Systems: A Case Study in Taiwan | Jeng-Fang Huang | Abstract | Presentation |
| Difference of lactation curve in 305-day milk yield between automatic and conventional milking system | Yueh-Tung Chen | Abstract | Presentation |
| The phytogenic active ingredient AHV9 drives dose-dependent methane mitigation in vitro | Ackaert Geoffrey | Abstract | |
| ICAR/IDF initiative on sensor data for functional traits: reference standards and guidlines to quantify rumination for health and animal welfare recording | Miel Hostens | Abstract | |
| Drivers of Mobile App Adoption in Extensive Beef Cattle Farms: preliminary results | Manuel Luque | Abstract | Presentation |
| Animal Welfare Assessment in Extensive Avileña-Negra Ibérica and Asturiana de los Valles Beef Cattle Farms | Manuel Luque | Abstract |