Stefan Hörtenhuber

Stefan Hörtenhuber is a Professor at the Institute of Livestock Sciences within the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). With a doctorate in Agriculture (PhD 2011) and a Master's degree in Agriculture (Livestock Sciences, 2008), he has established himself as a leading researcher in sustainable livestock production systems. His work primarily focuses on environmental impact assessment of animal production systems, with special emphasis on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies applied to dairy, beef, and pig farming.

Hörtenhuber's research interests span across animal production, agroecology, and sustainable agriculture, with particular expertise in quantifying greenhouse gas emissions, developing sustainability assessment tools, and analyzing the environmental and economic trade-offs in livestock farming systems. His work frequently addresses the critical intersection between food production, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Through numerous national and international projects, he has contributed significantly to understanding how agricultural practices can be optimized for reduced environmental impact while maintaining productivity.

His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to the field of sustainable livestock production, with recent work focusing on environmental trade-offs in dairy systems, climate impacts of beef production, and innovative approaches to reducing emissions in pig farming. His research often examines the complex relationships between animal welfare improvements and environmental outcomes, revealing important synergies and trade-offs that inform sustainable farming practices.

Hörtenhuber actively supervises graduate students, with recent theses focusing on environmental life cycle assessments of dairy systems, sustainable pig farming, and the relationship between animal welfare and environmental impacts. His work has practical applications for farmers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking to implement more sustainable practices in livestock production.