Welcome to the World Conference on Animal Production 2028

Welcome to WCAP2028

On behalf of the Australian Association of Animal Sciences (AAAS) and the World Association of Animal Production (WAAP), we warmly invite you to join us in Melbourne, Australia, for the 13th WAAP World Conference on Animal Production (WCAP) and the 37th biennial AAAS Conference.

WAAP’s mission is to advance global animal agriculture through scientific innovation and the development of sustainable, viable production systems that safeguard natural resources. Since 1963, WCAP has been held every five years, providing a vital forum for animal scientists and industry leaders to share knowledge, reflect on progress, and address the challenges and emerging opportunities facing animal production worldwide.

Since its establishment in 1954, AAAS has played a leading role in advancing animal science, delivering an internationally recognised biennial conference that connects cutting-edge research with industry application. WCAP 2028 builds on this legacy, offering a truly global platform for knowledge exchange and a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and engage with leading minds from across the animal science community.

At a time of unprecedented global change, the role of animals in sustaining our environment, economies, and communities has never been more important. WCAP 2028 is centred on the theme:
The importance of animals in a changing world – animals, ecosystems and humanity: interconnected futures.

This theme reflects the increasingly complex and interdependent systems in which animal production operates and will guide the conference focus on how animal systems both influence and respond to climate change, biodiversity loss, and evolving global pressures.

WCAP 2028 will bring together leading scientists, industry practitioners, policymakers, and emerging leaders to explore how animal systems can adapt and contribute to a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.

Our program will be structured around five interconnected themes:

• Integrating the end user – ensuring science delivers real-world impact through collaboration, co-design, and adoption
• Social aspects – addressing animal welfare, ethics, diversity, and the social licence essential for the future of our industries
• Digital transformation & omics – showcasing how advances in data, technology, and biology are reshaping animal production systems
• Conservation of the natural world – exploring how productivity can be balanced with environmental stewardship and ecological sustainability
• Food & fibre security – advancing innovation to meet the growing global demand for safe, sustainable, and high-quality animal products

Together, these themes reflect a shared vision: that the future of animal production lies in integrating science and practice, balancing productivity with sustainability, and aligning economic outcomes with environmental and social responsibility.

WCAP 2028 will highlight the importance of collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and regions, recognising that the challenges we face—climate variability, food security, technological disruption, and changing societal expectations—require collective, global solutions.

We are proud to host WCAP 2028 in Australia, where diverse production systems, strong research capability, and close industry engagement provide an ideal setting for meaningful discussion and knowledge exchange. Melbourne offers a vibrant, globally connected environment in which to share ideas, build partnerships, and shape the future of animal production.

WCAP 2028 will be held from 2 to 5 July 2028. We encourage you to save the dates and take the opportunity to extend your visit to explore more of Australia.

We look forward to welcoming you.