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
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.
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
Alternatives to castrating pigs without anesthesia are gradually finding their way into Europe.
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: (
Main research questionCan we extract the crude protein from the leguminous plants alfalfa (lucerne) and red clover, which are both green fodder crops with well known cultivation techniques, in order to mix that protein into the rations of (organic) pigs and poultry? We are answering this question in the LUZEX project.
The aim is then to use this data to give feedback and advice on best practices to those responsible for the chicken and pigs throughout their lifetime (farmer, catching team, transporter, slaughterhouse).
In IC, the male pigs receive two injections of a vaccine (low-invasiveness). The young boars then no longer develop aggressive sexual behavior, and the likelihood of them producing boar taint in their fat (muscle) tissue is also greatly reduced.
This will be demonstrated by raising broilers and pigs on a soy free diet.Research approachThrough a consultation process with feed manufacturers, feeds will be formulated using available and best suited European protein sources. The aim is to maintain production results. This soy-free diet will be fed to broiler chickens and pigs.