The animal is at the heart of humane animal husbandry
Humane animal husbandry goes beyond good nutrition and health. Animals should be able to display their natural behaviour and experience positive emotions. Together with all stakehold-ers, WUR is looking for solutions to design the living environment of farm animals in a way that contributes to their quality of life.
Animal welfare is gaining interest. In animal husbandry, the emphasis has long been on avoid-ing problems such as tail-biting, feather pecking or heat stress. The new Dutch Animals Act calls for a step further: animals should be able to display their natural behaviour and experi-ence positive emotions.
In humane animal husbandry research, Wageningen University & Research looks at what animals need for a life worth living. What is considered ‘humane’ is not just a question of knowledge and experience, but is also determined by society.
We develop humane systems for keeping animals, measure animal behaviour, health and welfare, and translate the insights gained into practical applications. For livestock farmers, policy makers and society, this provides new knowledge and tools to structurally improve animal welfare.
Discover our areas of expertise
Expertises
Pen enrichment
In humane livestock farming, housing is designed to allow natural behaviour. This allows farm animals to live the best life possible. WUR conducted a lot of research on pen enrichment to improve species-specific behaviour in various animal species. That also prevents damaging behaviour such as feather pecking and tail biting.
Sustainable barn systems
WUR conducts a lot of research on animal welfare and health, greenhouse gas emissions and circular agriculture. Based on this knowledge, we aim to design optimal housing for farm ani-mals and assess its feasibility. Using our Integral Sustainable Design method, we are building a new free-range barn and an emission-free barn at our innovation centres.
Grass and grazing
Grass and grazing are the basis of dairy farming. Covering one million hectares, grass is the largest agricultural crop in the Netherlands. Optimal land use is essential for a sustainable food system. Through research into fresh (herb-rich) grass as the basis for the feed of the fu-ture, WUR is working on future-proof, land-based dairy farming.
Pen enrichment
In humane livestock farming, housing is designed to allow natural behaviour. This allows farm animals to live the best life possible. WUR conducted a lot of research on pen enrichment to improve species-specific behaviour in various animal species. That also prevents damaging behaviour such as feather pecking and tail biting.
Sustainable barn systems
WUR conducts a lot of research on animal welfare and health, greenhouse gas emissions and circular agriculture. Based on this knowledge, we aim to design optimal housing for farm ani-mals and assess its feasibility. Using our Integral Sustainable Design method, we are building a new free-range barn and an emission-free barn at our innovation centres.
Grass and grazing
Grass and grazing are the basis of dairy farming. Covering one million hectares, grass is the largest agricultural crop in the Netherlands. Optimal land use is essential for a sustainable food system. Through research into fresh (herb-rich) grass as the basis for the feed of the fu-ture, WUR is working on future-proof, land-based dairy farming.
Facilities (3)
Get inspired
Why partner with WUR
We offer:
- Innovative research on animal-friendly farming
- Systems that enhance welfare and natural behavior
- Applicable knowledge for farmers and policymakers
Get in touch with our expert
Do you have a question about biodiversity in agriculture and livestock farming or opportunities to work with us? Please get in touch.
M (Marije) Oostindjer, PhD MSc
Business Developer
Follow Livestock Research on social media
Stay up-to-date and learn more about our research through our social channels.