Animal centered livestock farming
Wageningen Livestock Research focuses on the animal in its work towards humane livestock farming. Our research contributes to the quality of life from the animals’ perspective. We join forces with all parties involved to find solutions to design the living environment in such a way that it enables the animal to exhibit natural behaviour and experience positive emotions.
We would like to partner up with you to work on:
- Animal-oriented system designs
- Enhancing animal welfare
- Solutions to enable natural behaviour
- Positive emotions for animals in the livestock sector
Animal welfare in the livestock sector
Animal welfare is an important societal concern, which is expressed in new regulations which aim to ensure the welfare of the animals we keep for our food. In line with this, the Dutch livestock industry faces the challenge of offering animals a humane life. We research what a dignified and humane life for various livestock species entails, and how to measure animal welfare.
From preventing discomfort to quality of life
In the past, we mainly looked at the occurrence of disease, stress and pain to determine whether animals have a good quality of life. There was a focus on preventing discomfort, such as tail-biting in pigs and feather pecking in chickens. Now that we put the animal first, it is about quality of life from the animals' perspective and about providing a life worth living.
Positive animal welfare
If the habitat of livestock matches its behavioural needs, the animal can achieve a positive mental state (positive well-being). Currently, the housing system often does not form a good enough match. In an animal-worthy husbandry, the system should adapt to the animal rather than the other way around.
How can we help with animal welfare solutions?
Our experts study and substantiate the animal’s needs. We investigate what animals require to live a fulfilling and pleasant life and what demands this makes on their environment. We also measure quality of life. Thus, we help advance the discourse towards a food system in which animals are kept humanely.
Sustainable and profitable livestock farming
Wageningen Livestock Research continuously develops its expertise and applies it toward sustainable and profitable livestock farming.
Our partners
We conduct research for the agricultural sector, suppliers, food companies, sector organisations, governments, other knowledge institutes and civic organisations across the globe.