Institute of Behavioural Physiology – Overview


Our research area encompasses the biological principles of farm animal behaviour in the context of animal welfare.

We use interdisciplinary approaches to study ethological, cognitive, bioacoustic, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and immunological parameters in order to understand affective-emotional assessments of environmental challenges by the animal and the related psychophysiological adaptation and coping processes in the course of ontogenesis.

Interpretation of the findings at the behavioural and physiological levels is intended to enable the scientific characterisation of not just physical but also mental wellbeing as an essential element of farm animal welfare.

The objective is supplying a scientific basis for improving farm animal husbandry, welfare and ethics.