Heat plan for poultry
How can we develop a reliable heat action plan for the poultry sector that can be adapted to the specific needs of the farm? In the LA project COOLCHICKS, ILVO, Proefbedrijf Pluimveehouderij, Pehestat, University of Ghent and Lanupro are looking for improvement strategies.
Dairy farm losses from heat waves quantified
Agricultural economists juxtaposed long-term production figures from all Flemish dairy farms with recorded weather events to assess the economic damage caused by heat.
Main research questionThe increasing maximum temperatures and the increasing number of days with elevated temperatures in Belgium can lead to heat stress in several animal species but pigs are particularly sensitive to this. In recent years, pig farmers have experienced much greater production losses and mortality on their farms.
Heat plan for Flemish pig farming
Main research questionBeef and dairy cattle farmers are acutely aware of the effects of heat stress on their animals during the past hot summers. They also have questions about what they can do to mitigate the consequences. This project aims to support Flemish cattle farmers in the choice of appropriate preventive measures.
First-aid for heat stressed cow
Main research questionThe CHICKENSTRESS research project aims to improve the welfare of free-range laying hens by reducing the incidence of feather-pecking, reducing their stress and fearfulness, and improving their range use.
Variations in stress responsivity in hens: matching birds to environments
Internet-of-Cows: sensors for detection of heat and calving in dairy cattle
Sensors that continuously measure dairy cow behaviors such as lying down, walking, standing, eating and ruminating can predict timing of heat and calving within 2 and 24 hours in advance with high accuracy.
Mental stress in farmers is serious. (Seeking) help could be better
(A)biotic stress tolerance in Ilex crenata: high soil pH and the pathogen Berkeleyomyces basicola
Unhealthy stress and the liveability of the Flemish farming family – call for participants in new research study
The intention is to find out the degree of long-term stress present in these families, what the causes are and how that stress is being handled.
Main research questionThe overall aim of this project is to provide the poultry sector a farm-specific heat action plan. To reduce heat stress, various measures are advised, from the adaptation of management and feed techniques towards the application of climate control.
To provide the Flemish poultry sector a heat action plan to maintain optimal health and the welfare of their poultry