Physical and social environment
Features of the both the physical and social environment in which animals are kept crucially affect their health and welfare. We study the impact of environmental conditions on resilience and emotional states of animals. Examples are the influence of novel housing systems and enrichment to facilitate the expression of natural behaviour, positive and negative interactions between group members, maternal behaviour, and social support. See below an overview of our current projects in this field.
Topics
- Cow-calf contact
- innovative veal calf housing system
- Behavioural studies on (harmful) behaviours in pigs
- Effect of early feed and water provision on layer pullet welfare
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Research themes
Transition periods
Throughout their lives, animals experience a number of transitions that invoke large physiological and behavioural changes. From hatching in chickens to weaning in piglets, we investigate how animals cope with these transitions under changing and challenging conditions.
Physical and social environment
Both the physical and social environment of animals crucially affect their health and welfare. We study the impact of environmental conditions, such as housing systems and interactions between group members, on resilience and emotional states of animals.
Global challenges, sustainability and resilience
Global challenges and mitigation measures affect the animals we keep. We study the impacts of global changes on animal health and welfare, and strategies to facilitate adaptation to changes that animals encounter.
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