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Data Paper: HotPig, a behavioural dataset of pigs under heat stress
No full textInternational audienceThe widespread use of videos in modern indoor livestock facilities coupled with the availability of efficient and low-cost computer vision algorithms provides strong incentives for continuously monitoring farm animal behaviour. Deciphering how pigs behave when experiencing prolonged heat stress is particularly important for animal welfare, as it helps us to better understand how animals use various thermoregulation and heat dissipation mechanisms. Data were collected on 24 pigs that were video-monitored day and night under two contrasted conditions: thermoneutral (TN, 22 °C) and heat stress (HS, 32 °C). All pigs were housed individually and had free access to an automatic feeder delivering pellets four times a day, and to water. After acquisition, videos were processed using YOLOv11, a real-time object detection algorithm that uses a convolutional neural network (CNN), to extract the following behavioural traits: drinking, willingness to eat, lying down, standing up, moving around, curiosity towards the littermate housed in the neighbouring pen, and contact between the two animals (cuddling). A minute frequency sampling rate was applied (each minute corresponds to 150 frames processed) for a continuous period of 16 days, spanning the two different thermal conditions (9 days on TN, 6 days on HS, 1 day back to TN). Consistency with the automatic electronic feeder’s data (also provided) was thoroughly checked. The dataset allows quantitative criterion to be analysed to decipher inter-individual differences in animal behaviour and their dynamic adaptation to heat stress. This dataset can be used to train any machine learning methods for behaviour prediction from videos in conventional growing pigs
The Structure of Dairy Products at Different Length Scales Drives the Mechanism of Digestion and the Nutrient Bioavailability
No full textInternational audienceRecent findings have demonstrated that the food matrix structure at different length scales is one of the key drivers to control the fate of food in the digestive tract and, consequently, the kinetics of nutrient release. As an example, using the pig as a model of human, the supramolecular structure of casein (micelle vs caseinate) was shown to drive the kinetics of digestion. The action of pepsin and the acidic conditions of the stomach cause the coagulation of casein micelles, delay gastric emptying and limits the release of amino acids in the bloodstream playing a key role on appetite. Differences in dairy product macrostructure (milk vs acid or rennet gels) lead to differences in gastric emptying, protein hydrolysis in the gut and amino acid bioavailability. Compared to dairy gels, milk goes quickly through the stomach to reach the small intestine where proteins are rapidly and extensively degraded generating a fast and intense peak of plasma amino acids. Finally, at the microscopic scale, the structure of infant formula has been shown to dramatically influence the hydrolysis of milk protein. Stabilization of lipid droplets with milk phospholipids rather than proteins leads to differences in milk proteolysis in the jejunum and ileum of piglets and results in an improved intestinal immune system maturation and differences in intestinal microbiota composition of piglets. The structure of dairy products can therefore be considered as a lever to control the kinetics of nutrients release during digestion and fulfil the nutritional needs of specific populations such as elderly people, athletes, obese etc
Projet « Corollaire » : CO-conception d'une ROtation cultures-prAIRiEs inter-exploitations dans un collectif d'agriculteurs biologiques
No full textInternational audienceposter de présentation du projet Corollair
Co-creating water knowledge: a community perspective
No full textInternational audienceNavigating the complexities of global and local water resources challenges requires collaboration and mutual learning among diverse knowledge systems and disciplines. However, Western philosophical approaches to generating knowledge have prevailed in water management and hydrology, often overlooking community priorities, practices and perspectives, and power asymmetries -including gender inequalities, racism, and colonial injustices. In this perspective paper, we explore the co-creation of water knowledge (CCWK) concept to value multiple and diverse forms of knowledge. We identify four overarching principles (inclusivity, openness, legitimacy, and actionability), highlighting the importance of establishing relationships and collaborative leadership, adopting key tools and techniques, and integrating knowledge for water resources management. Furthermore, we argue that prioritizing epistemic justice is essential for effective CCWK. To address these, we advocate for more interdisciplinary and reflexive research practices that challenge and disrupt Western scientific traditions shaped by functionalist and colonial legacies
Changes, interactions and drivers of soil chemical, physical and biological properties after repeated application of organic waste products in two contrasted long-term field experiments in France
No full textInternational audienceRecycling organic waste products (OWP) is known to influence soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, yet few studies have compared the long-term effects of different OWP type across multiple sites. This study examined the impacts of repeated OWP application on soil properties in two French long-term field experiments: QualiAgro and PROspective (20 and 18 years, respectively). The OWP included dehydrated urban sewage sludge (SLU), green waste and SLU compost (GWS), biowaste compost from source-separated municipal organic waste co-composted with green waste (BIO), municipal solid waste compost (MSW), farmyard manure from a dairy cow farm (FYM), and composted FYM from open-air composting on a concrete platform (FYMC). The application of OWP led to increased soil nutrient levels and trace element availability, and stimulated microbial biomass and enzyme activities, while the response of nematode varied depending on site and OWP type. Biological properties were less affected than physico-chemical properties, though the OWP application enhanced soil microbial biomass and specific enzyme activities. The impact on soil nematode communities varied depending on OWP type and site. Strong correlations were observed among soil property changes, with exogenous carbon and nutrient inputs from OWP identified as key drivers. Larger changes were noted in QualiAgro, where OWP application rates were higher and initial soil quality lower. These findings highlight that OWP applications, depending on their type, rate, and initial soil conditions, can significantly alter soil properties
Multi-actor initiatives in the adaptation of livestock farming practices to societal challenges: Case study of Italian beef sector
No full textInternational audienceLivestock farming faces growing societal challenges, particularly in urbanized societies increasingly disconnected from agriculture. The Entr’ACTES project analyzed how controversies around livestock farming impact stakeholder practices and engagement in four European countries, including Italy.This study focuses on meat sectors in the Pô Valley, a highly urbanized region with diverse livestock systems. A Master’s 2 class from Institut Agro, supported by local academic partners, conducted 26 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (farmers, researchers, unions, banks, consumer associations…) to assess their perception of how citizens view livestock farming, and how they address these perceptions.Stakeholders perceive a widespread lack of knowledge among Italians, particularly urban dwellers (23/26 interviewees). In their view, we could classify citizens into three groups: (i) critics, misinformed; (ii) indifferent consumers; (iii) interested consumers, eager for information—on whom efforts should focus. They identify animal welfare, meat quality, and trust in labels as key concerns.Four main strategies emerge: (i) Enhancing local/national biotechnological production to improve livestock conditions and image;( ii) Strengthening local communication (fairs, events) to boost product image and trust through traceability; (iii) Preserving traditional systems and breeds via strict European standards (DOP, PGI, but not organic); (iii) Developing product marketing, culinary valorization, and distribution via national/international networks, such as Slow Food, with a strong economic focus.Compared to France, where the first three strategies are mostly managed by national institutions facing the challenges of international and economic valorization, Italy seems to stand out for promoting synergies between different actors. Local initiatives target consumer expectations, while national/international actions strengthen the economic dimension
Benthic food resources and the condition of bentho-demersal fish: spatial trends and relationships in the northern shelf of the Bay of Biscay.
No full textInternational audienceLocated at the interface between the continent and the open ocean, continental shelves exhibit strong gradients in nutrients, organic matter, and primary production. Within these ecosystems, benthic invertebrates play a key role in transferring energy and matter from primary producers to benthodemersal fish. Consequently, macrobenthic biomass can serve as an indicator of food resource availability for these species. This study focused on the northern part of the Bay of Biscay continental shelf to examine this relationship. Given the limited availability of field data, both empirical and biogeochemical models were employed to estimate macrobenthic biomass indices and to generate spatial distribution maps. Modeled biomass indices showed strong correlations with the few available field observations, although discrepancies were evident in deeper, poorly sampled areas. A pronounced coastal-offshore gradient was observed, with macrobenthic biomass decreasing towards offshore waters and locally elevated values occurring in deeper muddy sediments. Among the eight benthodemersal fish species examined, the four identified as predominantly benthic-feeders exhibited positive relationships between body condition and macrobenthic biomass indices, particularly among smaller individuals. These findings suggest that modeled macrobenthic biomass indices and maps can serve as effective proxies for benthic resources gradients and provide insights into spatial variability in energy transfer within the food web. Nonetheless, improved field sampling, especially in deep circalittoral zones, remains essential to refine spatial trends, enhance our understanding of benthic food-web processes, and support the sustainable management of bentho-demersal fisheries
Chapter 19 - Conservation of marine fish
No full textInternational audienceThe overall idea until the 20th century was that the oceans and marine resources were inexhaustible. For centuries and until now, marine ecosystems have been increasingly threatened by human activities such as fisheries, mining, land-based pollution, etc. Efforts directed at marine conservation started in the second half of the 20th century only, initially focused mostly on charismatic species (e.g., marine mammals). Then, marine fish were accounted for, initially by efforts to recover overexploited stocks, using single-species approaches. Marine conservation recently evolved to ecosystem approaches, including marine protected areas (MPA), recognized worldwide as a key tool for marine conservation. In this chapter, we resume the main tools available for fish conservation, both focused on single-species and ecosystem approaches, namely, IUCN Red List categories and classifications based on resilience and vulnerability, fisheries management measures that contribute to fish conservation, and marine protected areas. Currently, there is a well-developed scientific knowledge, with guidance produced to support fish and ocean conservation. Several treaties, conventions, and legal frameworks are in place worldwide and several conservation instruments including MPA are designated. Conservation achievements are only tangible if effective measures, governance, and management policies are implemented, involving stakeholders and local community rights, with periodic assessments and reporting of conservation outcomes obtained overtime
Projet RELIEFS IDENTIFIER LES ÉTAPES DU CYCLE DE VIE LIMITANT LE RECRUTEMENT DE LA SOLE COMMUNE DANS LE GOLFE DE GASCOGNE
No full textThe RELIEFS project aimed to identify the stages in the life cycle that limit the recruitment of common sole in the Bay of Biscay. Data from stock assessments and scientific fisheries monitoring campaigns were compiled to reconstruct and analyze time series of juvenile sole abundance indices at the population level and within nurseries at different stages of juvenile life.Le projet RELIEFS avait pour objectif d’identifier les étapes du cycle de vie limitant le recrutement de la sole commune dans le Golfe de Gascogne. Des données issues des évaluations de stock et des campagnes scientifiques de suivi halieutique ont été compilées pour reconstruire et analyser des séries temporelles d’indice d’abondance de juvéniles de sole au niveau de la population et au sein des nourriceries à différentes périodes de la vie juvénile. L’objectif était de déterminer à quel(s) stade(s) une diminution d’abondance se produit, qui pourrait expliquer la diminution du recrutement de la sole. Une analyse des séries temporelle de recrutement estimées pour l’ensemble des stocks de sole commune à l’échelle de l’Atlantique Nord-Est a également été conduite afin d’identifier si des tendances similaires sont observables pour les populations voisines
Spectral models learn the context, not the soil: rethinking soc prediction from lab to drone measurements under field conditions
No full textInternational audiencePredicting soil organic carbon (SOC) using spectral data remains a challenge in digital soil mapping, particularly under field-scale conditions where environmental factors (e.g., vegetation, moisture) can mask or distort soil reflectance [1]. These unstable conditions are a major obstacle to model generalization across space and time. In this study, we evaluated the ability of SOC prediction models, built from reflectance spectra from lab to field and drone measurements, to account for and generalize across varying environmental conditions, over a unique field plot structure located in Nouzilly (France). The experimental design consists of 3 replicates (block design) of 4 to 5 tillage practices (modality) within a single 11.25 ha field. Two sampling campaigns (Oct 2024, May 2025) provided SOC (0-5 cm) and spectral data from lab, field, and UAV platforms at 75 sampling points. Co-variables such as moisture content and soil surface roughness were also collected. To assess model generalizability to new spatial and temporal conditions, we applied several data-splitting strategies: random splits, leave-one-block-out, leave-one-modality-out, and time-based splits between the October and May datasets. Our results show that tillage modality alone induced significant SOC variability at the soil surface, with mean SOC ranging from 12.1 g/kg under conventional tillage to 16.7 g/kg under minimum tillage. Seasonal differences between October and May also contributed substantially to SOC variability, further complicating model generalization. In this context, co-variables related to soil roughness and moisture had no significant impact on improving model accuracy. Model performance was highly sensitive to data-splitting strategy. Random splits gave overly optimistic results (R² = 0.75, RPIQ = 2.7 for field spectra), whereas leave-one-modality-out failed to generalize to unseen tillage practices, with most models showing R² < 0. Leave-one-block-out yielded reliable performance for laboratory spectra but failed for UAV and field data, especially under reduced environmental variability (e.g., in May or after NDVI-based filtering), with R² dropping from 0.72 to 0.28 for October UAV measurements. These findings suggest that models often rely on indirect or ephemeral environmental features rather than direct or intrinsic spectral behaviour of bare soil resulting in unstable performance and poor transferability across space and time, even for similar soils