The animal is at the heart of humane animal husbandry
Animal welfare
Do you have a question about:- Health
- Natural behaviour
- Positive emotions
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 stakeholders, 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 experience 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.
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
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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.
Explore related focus areas
Climate-smart livestock farming
Our climate is changing due to greenhouse gas emissions, including from livestock farming. WUR studies how to reduce emissions of methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. We also examine the impact of climate change on grasslands, fodder crops and livestock. We explore how carbon sequestration and sustainable energy can help.
Climate-smart livestock farming
Our climate is changing due to greenhouse gas emissions, including from livestock farming. WUR studies how to reduce emissions of methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. We also examine the impact of climate change on grasslands, fodder crops and livestock. We explore how carbon sequestration and sustainable energy can help.
Livestock farming and biodiversity
Biodiversity is more than diversity of species in nature. It also involves genetic diversity in crops and farm animals, for example. WUR, together with partners, works to preserve genetic re-sources, genetic diversity within animal species and biodiversity in grassland and soil life.
Circular livestock farming
Every link in the livestock farming chain, and therefore also in the food processing chains, produces nutrients or raw materials, never waste. WUR translates this principle into circular agrifood systems. These retain nutrients as much as possible and limit losses to soil, water and air. This allows livestock farming to be in balance with the natural carrying capacity of areas.
Animal health
Healthy and strong animals are less affected by diseases and require less medication. In WUR studies on livestock systems, preventive care is central, to stimulate resilience in animals. To-gether with entrepreneurs and experts from the business community, among others, we are working on indicators to measure resilience.
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