• Animal-friendly husbandry and ecosystems: focus on systems that prioritise animal welfare.
• Nature and climate-inclusive agriculture: integration of nature and climate into agricultural practices for a sustainable future.
• OneWelfare concept: a holistic approach where the welfare of humans, animals, and nature harmoniously come together.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: integration of ethical, ecological, and socio-economic aspects into applied research.
• Innovative technologies: use of data and sensor technologies for advanced and effective research.
• Participatory approach: collaboration with various stakeholder groups to create a broadly supported societal dialogue.

The applied research group Animal & Environment strives to develop animal-friendly husbandry and ecosystems, as well as a nature-inclusive agricultural sector. The research group leverages current societal dynamics to further build nature and climate-inclusive systems with attention to the welfare of humans and animals. This is achieved according to the OneWelfare concept: an integrated, interdisciplinary approach where our living environment is redefined. This is done in a way where humans, animals, and nature share space and interact sustainably, with animal welfare as an important principle and the acceptance of the uniqueness of animals as a growing norm in society.

The applied research group originates from the research lines of the applied research groups 'Sustainable Dairy Farming' (2014-2024) and 'Smart Animal Welfare Management' (2022-2024). The current research lines build on these and are developed across different disciplines with mutual synergy. There are five, including two associate applied research groups:

1. Research line 'Future-proof animal-friendly dairy farming systems'
2. Research line 'Grassland management and feed rations for healthy animals and business results'
3. Research line 'Animal-friendly dairy farming'
4. Associate applied research group 'Animal-friendly husbandry of production and recreational animals'
5. Associate applied research group 'Wild animals in nature'

In each of these, the interaction between humans and animals is central. Characteristic of all research lines is the integral and multidisciplinary approach to animal-related issues, where sociological, ecological, and (socio)economic factors play a role. The research lines all contribute to a transition towards a sustainable living environment for animals in relation to humans and the environment. They achieve this through the joint development and application of methodologies:

1. Smart monitoring and regulation of animal health, animal behaviour, and animal welfare of individual animals and animal populations in transitions,
2. Value creation for humans, animals, and the environment, and
3. Developing and applying smart participatory collaboration forms.

• Dairy farming in peat meadow areas with higher groundwater levels: this project focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by drainage in peat meadow areas. By implementing area-specific measures, we collaborate with dairy farmers to achieve sustainable business operations and grassland management.
• Farmers between hedgerows: in the Northern Frisian Woodlands, we investigate new earning models for farmers through the integration of hedgerows, silvopastoral systems, and agroforestry. This project promotes biodiversity and supports nature-inclusive circular agriculture while preserving the historical cultural landscape.
• Knowledge for Grassland and Grazing: this project aims for optimal grassland management and grazing to increase biodiversity, reduce ammonia emissions, and close nutrient cycles. We collaborate with dairy farmers, green educational institutions, and sector partners to create value for grazers, entrepreneurs, and society.
• The impact of the cow on the health and welfare of her calf: by investigating the relationship between cow traits and calf health, we improve calf care on dairy farms. This project provides practical tools for farmers to optimise the health and welfare of young animals.
• Animal Perspective: this digital knowledge platform supports municipalities with questions about animals and animal welfare, ranging from pet care to addressing biting incidents and animal disease outbreaks. The partnership provides practical tools to carefully and effectively handle these challenges.
• Animal Welfare Web: this platform offers up-to-date information on animal welfare and an overview of courses and learning materials by education level. The aim is to disseminate and increase knowledge about animal welfare to improve the relationship between humans and animals.
• Wildlife Counts: this project aims for a scientifically validated counting protocol for wildlife species, with reliable data accepted by the CBS. By collaborating with stakeholders and process guidance, a widely supported method is developed for determining population trends, contributing to effective wildlife management.

All publications from the applied research group 'Animal & Environment' can be found on Greeni, the online library for green higher education.

The knowledge network mainly includes researcher-lecturers associated with the Animal Husbandry and Animal Management programmes. They are directly or indirectly involved in designing and implementing research projects and disseminating the developed knowledge into education.

PhD Candidate in Animal-friendly Dairy Farming:

Titia Fokkema-van der Ploeg In 2023, researcher-lecturer Titia Fokkema-van der Ploeg received the NWO PhD grant for teachers. Titia is part of the knowledge network of the applied research group, is a veterinarian, and works as a specialist in animal health and young stock for the Animal Husbandry programme. Over five years, she, along with fellow researcher-lecturers and students, is researching the impact of the cow on the health and welfare of her calf. In close collaboration with the Adaptation Physiology Group of Wageningen University, she utilises her research for writing a dissertation.

The applied research group Animal & Environment supports and inspires various VHL programmes:

• Master Innovations in Dairy and Food Chains
• Bachelor Dier- en Veehouderij
• Bachelor Diermanagement
• Bachelor Bedrijfskunde en Agribusiness
• Bachelor Management van de Leefomgeving

If you want to know more about the applied research group, or if you have a research question, please send an email or call lector Wiepk Voskamp-Harkema:

Wiepk Voskamp-Harkema
Lector Animal & Environment

E-mail: wiepk.voskamp@hvhl.nl
Phone: +316 537 673 57

Marko Ruis
Associate lector Animal-friendly Husbandry of Production and Recreational Animals

E-mail: marko.ruis@hvhl.nl

Martijn Weterings
Associate lector Wild Animals in Nature

E-mail: martijn.weterings@hvhl.nl