Environmental impacts
We explore how animals can contribute to environmentally sustainable food systems across diverse production contexts and world regions. We address issues such as climate change, nutrient pollution, resource scarcity, land degradation and food-feed competition.
We use models, experiments, and surveys to unravel the complexity of animal systems and to develop strategies that mitigate their environmental impacts at animal - field – farm – region – and food systems level. We are ambitious to develop and apply new methodologies and insights by integrating knowledge from different disciplines.
Research topics
- optimization of crop-livestock systems
- metrics to concomitantly tackle food security and climate objectives
- benefits of pastoral systems for soil carbon sequestration
- feeding strategies and alternative protein sources
- planetary budgets at regional and sectoral levels
Our projects
Environmental performances of a novel single-cell protein in fish feed at different scales
In this PhD project Xuemei Zhao aims to uncover the environmental implications of Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP), a novel single-cell protein source, as feed for fish and livestock. She will evaluate the environmental performances of CAP production, farmed rainbow trout fed on CAP-based feed, and the potential uses as livestock feed
Environmental performances of a novel single-cell protein in fish feed at different scales
In this PhD project Xuemei Zhao aims to uncover the environmental implications of Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP), a novel single-cell protein source, as feed for fish and livestock. She will evaluate the environmental performances of CAP production, farmed rainbow trout fed on CAP-based feed, and the potential uses as livestock feed
Sustainable beef production in Indonesia
In this PhD project Mohammad Ikhsan Shiddieqy aims to explore benefits and challenges of oil palm-cattle integration for sustainable beef production in Indonesia. Integration is studied in detail in a large oil palm plantation in South Kalimantan. The project employs both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Aspects such as soil compaction and quality, animal performance and stakeholder perception will be addressed
Can livestock jointly address food security and climate challenges?
In this PhD-project Leah Germer aims to explore whether livestock development can contribute to addressing jointly both food security and climate challenges. A framework for assessing synergies & tradeoffs among food security and climate change mitigation and adaptation in livestock systems is developed and applied at different levels in the case country of Cameroon. Policy-relevant recommendations will be developed, also applicable to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Modelling environmental impact of functional feed ingredients in poultry and swine
This PhD project by Sanidhya Bagde is a collaboration with Trouw Nutrition and the Animal Nutrition group and aims to evaluate broiler growth and environmental outcomes under diverse production conditions using an integrated modelling framework. It looks for dietary solutions that can ensure optimal growth while managing the environmental impact
Climate resilient development pathways for mixed farming systems in Ethiopia
In this PhD project Muluken Ekule aims to co-design Climate-Resilient Development Pathways (CRDPs) in smallholder enset-sheep farming systems by understanding resilience pattern dynamics, addressing yield-limiting factors, and co-developing pathways that integrate adaptation, mitigation, and development goals using improved livestock feeding as the strategic entry point
Sustainable role for livestock systems in Hainan, China
In this PhD-project Shukai Cao aims to identify the role of livestock systems in Hainan in relation to local feed resources and with an emphasis on tropical agroforest economy. It will quantify environmental budgets at regional and sectoral levels, and leverage artificial intelligence to navigate the balance between localization and trade. The approaches will serve as a model for the Global South, particularly for forest-rich regions looking to integrate silvopastoral systems and for tourism-driven island or coastal economies that must balance high food demand with fragile ecosystems
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Research themes
Governance and Livelihood
We research governance and livelihoods in sustainable food systems, exploring how policy incentives, certification schemes, and value chains shape transitions towards more just and sustainable livestock farming systems across diverse agricultural contexts
Environmental impacts
We study how livestock contributes to environmental issues, and how to mitigate their impact at various levels, including the farm, the value chain, the region, and the food systems level
Biodiversity
We explore the complex relationship between livestock and nature (including biodiversity and ecosystem services), and design farming systems and incentives to transition towards more sustainable agroecosystems
Animal welfare
We explore ways to improve the lives of all types of farmed animals. We place particular emphasis on assessing and improving animal welfare by using smart technology and behavioral and health indicators that reflect the emotional state of the animals
Animal Production Systems
Research of Animal Production Systems, led by Simon Oosting, focuses on unravelling the complexity of livestock systems.
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