Behavioural Physiology: Overview

Can emotions influence health and performance of farm animals? This basic question is central to the work of our research unit to achieve optimum performance while ensuring animal welfare. The impact of emotions, induced e.g. by successful solving of cognitive tasks or by stressors, on behaviour, physiological regulatory loops or immune system are studied at different levels of organismic organisation. In addition, the research unit has internationally recognised expertise in the analysis and interpretation of farm animal vocalisation as an expression of emotionality.