Gut health in pigs: new research and service platform
Gut health research in pigs provides a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of zootechnical performance, health, and nitrogen emissions.
Alternatives to castrating pigs without anesthesia are gradually finding their way into Europe.
Tail-biting in pigs is subject of new research commissioned by Flemish Government
The question is to what extent there would be (negative) effects, particularly for pigs (sows and piglets), if they were to use this water on a daily basis. The second question is what the underlying reason for any problems might be, and how the water quality can be adjusted.
Usefulness of deep groundwater as a water source for pigs
Main research questionA high variation in body weight between individual finishing pigs within a same batch is associated with economic and ecological costs. This project investigates effective and cost-efficient strategies to deal with this variation in fattening pigs.
Managing variation within a batch of fattening pigs to optimize performance and minimize losses
Main research questionElectronic tracking of individual fattening pigs from birth to slaughter is already technically possible. This project, performed in collaboration with a number of pig farmers, examines which (individual) data and analyses are considered important to yield animal-technical, farm-financial or labor-related improvements.
Efficient management of the pig farm through individual follow-up of sows and fattening pigs (PIGID)
This project investigates possible actions proposed to reduce routine tail docking and encourage rearing of pigs with intact tails with the aim of elaborating concrete short-, medium- and long-term objectives supported by the entire chain.Research approachThe researchers start with a scientific literature study that provides an inventory of (the magnitude
Potential (research) approach to reduce/stop routine tail docking and keeping pigs with long(er) tails
Main research questionThe aim of this project was to get insight in the meat quality variation of sire and sow lines that currently form the genetic basis of our Flemish fattening pigs. The unique aspect of this project was that the meat quality was determined on both fresh meat and high-quality cooked ham.
Variation in raw and cooked ham quality of pigs in Flanders: insight into the contribution of genetics and the potential of a minimal invasive measurement technique
AnalysesDetailsContactperssonZootechnical trials in pigsFeed and digestibility trials in piglets, meat pigs, sows and boarsSam Millet (animal husbandry), Annelies Van Nuffel (NEW CONTACT Agricultural Engineering)Behavior and animal welfareVeehouderij: gedrag en welzijn van de voornaamste landbouwhuisdieren (rund, varken, kip, konijn).Agrotechniek: (