Aspects of animal health, animal behaviour and well-being are used in research to evaluate the animal welfare of husbandry systems and management in farm animals. Ongoing research activities are particularly in the field of animal welfare. In addition to the projects on poultry, studies are also conducted on cattle, pigs and other farm animals.
Main areas of research
- Animal welfare indicators in farm animals
At the professorship, research is conducted on resource-related (e.g. stable construction/structure), management-related (e.g. care of the animals) and animal-related animal welfare indicators. Animal-related indicators are characteristics and circumstances that can be measured directly on the animal and allow conclusions about the animals' welfare.
- Husbandry conditions and behavioural disorders in pullets and laying hens
Research focuses in particular on the husbandry conditions of non-beak-trimmed laying hens and rearing procedures.
- Husbandry conditions of broiler
Various forms of husbandry and rearing of broilers and their effects on behaviour and animal health are studied, including the use of slow-growing broiler breeds.
- Transport and slaughter of poultry
Different loading and stunning methods for fattening poultry and their animal welfare are scientifically investigated.
Research reports
- AgroClustEr PHÄNOMICS – Ein systembiologischer Ansatz zur Genotyp-Phänotyp-Abbildung im Kontext von Leistung, Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden bei den Nutztieren Rind und Schwein
funding source: Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung
funding code: 0315536A
project duration: 01.12.2009 bis 31.12.2015