Animal nutrition and environmental impact
Profile
Research aim and focus
The research group aims to establish and present new knowledge of the qualitative and quantitative digestive, absorptive and metabolic processes taking place in farm animals with specific focus on environmental problems. Further, the aim is to optimize animal nutrition in relation to productivity, the environment, product composition and nutrient content, and health. The obtained knowledge aims at supporting the authorities, the agricultural sector and industry and ensuring an innovative development within the nutrition-physiological field.
The main areas of research comprise:
- Characterization of feedstuff composition and quality with regard to nutritional and environmentally damaging components.
- Determination of nutrient requirements in relation to the animals different physiological needs and the overall nutrient utilization and balance.
- Initiatives concerning feedstuffs in order to reduce the emission of greenhouse gas and ammonia from the farm animals and the environmental impacts of the livestock production (N, P, heavy metals).
- Optimization of animal nutrition with focus on the environment, production/productivity and efficient resource utilization while taking welfare and product quality into consideration.
The key disciplines of the research group are analytical chemistry, digestive physiology and livestock nutrition and bio-modelling.
Research perspectives
The research results are used to determine new sustainable feeding strategies and nutrient standards in the primary production. The knowledge of the research group also contributes to supporting the authorities concerning the improvement of nutrient utilization of the agricultural sector (water environment plans, greenhouse gas statements, standards for farm animal manure etc.). The international dissemination of results contributes to ensuring an internationally innovative research environment and is of significant importance for the improvement of our skills and knowledge, professional initiative and participation in interdisciplinary projects. The gained knowledge is also essential for the teaching on the established agricultural master and bachelor programmes and in our cooperation with the agricultural sector and industry.