The effects of replacing cereals with former feed products in pig feed on welfare, behaviour and (intestinal) health of pigs by using, amongst others, non-invasive sensor technologies

During the last decades, the demand of animal-based food products has increased but there are rising concerns about the health and welfare of livestock and about the environmental sustainability of the food system. Circular feed concepts for the livestock sector may contribute to a more sustainable food system. However, it is important that health and welfare are not compromised when these circular feed concepts are applied. To monitor this, novel non-invasive sensor technologies can be used to continuously monitor animal welfare indicators, such as behaviour. These sensor technologies are more reliable than human observations, require less labor, and thus, can be applied at a larger scale.

The aim of this project is to assess the effect of circular feed concepts on welfare of pigs, including using novel non-invasive sensor technologies. Sensors to measure enrichment use, general activity and behaviour will be applied. Next to this, physiological parameters and additional health and welfare parameters will be measured like hair cortisol, serotonin, blood glucose, microbiome, gut histology, etc. The circular feed concept used in this study is a former feed product consisting of dough products, bread and pastry products, flour, and chocolate product. When taking both scientific and social relevance into account, this project will contribute, in a novel non-invasive way, to a more sustainable livestock sector by the introduction of circular feed concepts, without negative consequences on welfare.