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Feed, nutrition and management

Our research is divided into two major topics, feed and nutrition and animal husbandry. Our activities are further divided into seven different subjects. Below you can find out more about the areas that we perform research and teach within. 

SLU collage. Picture.

As of January 1, 2024, the department of Animal Environment and Health, the department of Animal Nutrition and Management and the Swedish Centre for Animal Welfare (SCAW) form the new Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare. 

Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare (THV) Research at THV Research area contact persons at former HUV
Close-up pipetting in a laboratory. Photo.

Our research focuses on feed, nutrition and management. The goal is to create a sustainable and profitable production with good animal care that provides high quality food. We conduct research on ruminants, pigs, poultry, reindeer, fish, horses and dogs. Our department is part of the Veterinary and Animal Science Center, VHC at Ultuna campus.

Research area contact persons

Read more about our different research areas below!

Aquaculture

Our main focus are feed protein from circular systems, not competing with our food supply, as microbes and insects. Their effects on fish production, nutrition and metabolism are in focus in addition to growth, gut function and gut microbiota.

Trout in dark water. Photo.

Monogastric animals

We perform research on nutrition and management in monogastric animal species such as horse, pig, dog, bird and fish. The purpose is to provide knowledge for sustainable animal husbandry with good animal welfare. Interactions between feed constituents and animal metabolism, intestinal microbiota and health are key concepts in our research projects.

Laying sow with suckling piglets. Photo.

Feed science

We work with processing and conservation of feeds, their nutritional and hygienic properties and with development of methods for analysis of feeds and their metabolism in the gastro-intestinal tract of farm animals and companion animals.

White round bale on field. Photo.

Avians

Our research focuses on meat-type chickens and laying hens. We work mainly in the area of nutrition, housing and management. Our goal is to generate new knowledge that can increase the sustainability of the production of chicken meat and eggs in the long run.

White chickens in loose housing. Photo.

Forage utilisation

Our research is focused on conservation, feeding and evaluation of forages for milk and meat production. Important aspects are the effects of the chemical and physical properties of forages on feed intake and animal performance as well as the links to product (food) quality.

Close-up of ley field with grass and clover. Photo.

Ruminants

Our research includes nutrition- and management projects that contribute to sustainable and profitable production of animal derived foods, nationally as well as internationally. We focus on projects that consider demands from consumers, the industry, society on animal welfare and product quality.

Close-up of red and white milk cow at the feeding table. Photo.

Reindeer husbandry

We perform research and education within the topic reindeer husbandry and reindeer biology. The research focuses on production conditions of the reindeer husbandry and interaction with the surrounding world.

Three reindeer in mountain forest in summer. Photo.
Published: 31 January 2024 - Page editor: marie.liljeholm@slu.se
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