Research of the Animal Production Systems Group

We approach sustainability through three research themes: livelihood, environment and animal welfare. Livelihood relates to social and economic aspects of animal production. Environment is about climate change, pollution, and biodiversity. Animal welfare deals with the interaction between animals and their environments, and with the impact this has on animals.

Methodologies 

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.