Working Group Animal Behaviour & Welfare

Behavioural Biology and Applied Ethology in Farm Animals

How do farm animals experience the environments in which they are kept? How do they cope with stressful situations, and how do individual differences shape their behaviour? The Animal Behaviour & Welfare Working Group at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) investigates both proximate explanations of farm animal behaviour - the mechanisms and developmental processes that produce it - and ultimate explanations, including its evolutionary origins and functions. We also study the behavioural foundations of animal welfare and, on this basis, develop evidence-based approaches to farm animal husbandry that better meet animals’ needs.

Behaviour, Emotions and Adaptability

Using theoretical approaches and experimental methods, we study how pigs, cattle, dwarf goats and poultry interact with their social and physical housing environments. Our research focuses on affective appraisal processes - that is, how animals emotionally evaluate situations - as well as their physical and mental capacity to adapt and their individual and social development.
We also investigate individual personality traits and coping strategies, which influence how animals perceive and respond to new, challenging or stressful situations. A particular focus is the analysis and phenotyping of affective behaviour. This involves identifying and characterising observable behavioural features associated with affective states. For example, animals may evaluate ambiguous situations more positively or negatively. These differences in judgement can provide insight into their affective state.
In pigs in particular, we also analyse affective vocalisations. These vocalisations can provide information about an animal’s affective state and specific emotions, as well as its needs and current condition, and may therefore contribute to the objective assessment of animal welfare.

Learning and Cognition

Another major focus is on fundamental questions about learning and cognition in farm animals. Dwarf goats are among the model species used in this research. We investigate how they acquire information, solve problems, make decisions and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Behavioural Monitoring, Physiological State Assessment and Digital Methods

We develop and test methods for monitoring activity and social behaviour. One experimental approach, for example, examines pigs’ voluntary, self-initiated use of a treadmill and its effects on their welfare, physiology and health.
We also use digital technologies and Smart Livestock Farming methods to develop solutions for autonomous herd and pasture management in cattle. In addition, we assess the activity of the autonomic nervous system in different behavioural contexts using invasive telemetry and non-invasive methods.
Our research aims to align the conditions in which farm animals are kept more closely with their needs, emotions and capabilities, thereby improving animal welfare in the long term. The head of the working group also holds the Professorship of Behavioural Sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (AUF), University of Rostock.