Information and Knowledge Management

The Animal Production and Health Sub-programme of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture plays a key role in the dissemination of nuclear and related technological information by providing Member States with current and comprehensive information on techniques, strategies, and processes in the topics of sustainable production systems including animal nutrition, reproductions and breeding and animal health. For example:

Scientific and Technical Information

By supporting the collection, compilation, analysis, synthesis and dissemination of new and emerging nuclear and related knowledge and technological developments in for example, the evaluation, identification and surveillance of targeted antibodies for detection of animal exposure to pathogens; molecular detection and characterization of animal disease pathogens by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or PCR sequencing; direct labelling of DNA to select for and/or confirm selected genomic traits that is are phenotypically desirable (e.g. leaner meat, more milk, disease tolerance, etc.), or to determine an animal’s parentage or origin by collating technical information to maintain relevant databases, and publishing books, manual and scientific articles in peer-reviewed international journals. Such information serves to raise awareness and understanding of the benefits of the integration of nuclear and related technologies in sustainable livestock production systems.

Strategic Advice

Contributing to the direction of strategic thinking on animal production and health in influential livestock production organizations, academic livestock production research and teaching institutions and policy and decision-makering by organizing consultant and expert meetings, seminars, symposia and international conferences. Additionally, by conducting technical and participatory feasibility and cost-benefit studies of different livestock production alternatives and strategic options for better planning and implementation of animal production and health programmes.

Policies and procedures

Elaborating on guidelines and standard operational procedures for the different components of animal production and health programmes, and by supporting the international harmonization and standardization of critical procedures such as quality control and assurance protocols. Also participating in supervisory committees and advisory boards to review ongoing animal production and disease control programmes in developing and developed State Members.

Networking

Initiating and building on relationships/contacts between and among colleagues and institutions in Member States through cooperation and collaboration.

Public information

At the general public level, promoting the benefits of integrating nuclear and related technologies in sustainable livestock production through the production and dissemination of videos, brochures, posters, and articles in the popular press.