| Mission |
Research of the section of Ethology (ETH) is directed to the study of behaviour in both livestock and zoo animals. All research is aimed at gaining knowledge of these animals in order to improve their welfare and health. Central theme is 'adaptation and stress', meaning the adaptation of the animal to its environment and the reaction of the animal when the adaptational limits are exceeded. | . Two research lines are distinguished: | *fundamental and applied behavioural physiological research (mainly in pig and fish). Topics are: the ontogeny of social behaviour, variability between animals in reaction to stressors, and the cause and function of suboptimal behaviour, i.e. stereotypies. | *fundamental and applied oeco-ethological research (mainly in poultry, zoo animals and cattle and horses in nature reserves). Topic: behavioural reactions, especially vocalisations, to environmental conditions to obtain indicators for animal welfare, and behavioural and environmental enrichment |
