Research of Animal Production Systems

To analyse and design systems we use both quantitative and qualitative methods and a combination of both. In most cases we work together with scientists from other disciplines, from e.g. social or plant sciences, or specialist animal scientists like nutritionists.  

Depending on the research question we e.g. may draw a relation or a flow diagram, fill a SWOT, or gather numeric data via interviews, questionnaires or measuring on-farm. The next step is to then integrate this new knowledge in e.g. a simulation model or, in collaboration with stakeholders, we design a food system with a role for livestock. Such food systems can be nature-inclusive or circular agriculture, with a new role for livestock, like only being fed on feeds that cannot be consumed by humans. 

Systems approach is our key expertise. It serves to understand the complexity of livestock systems and the urgent and pressing problems they are facing today. Food system thinking is an innovative approach into our sustainability research and teaching. The systems approach is used to combine and integrate knowledge from various research domains, and to include stakeholders into knowledge development.