The IMAGEN programme brings research into animal behaviour together with computer science to improve the health and welfare of pigs and laying hens and to reduce the ecological footprint of the food production.
The researchers are developing a system that automatically detects the behaviour of pigs and chickens in large groups. For example, the system must be able to detect perpetrators and victims of undesirable behaviour such as tail biting or pecking to prevent animal suffering and early mortality. The researchers will also map the relationships between genes and behaviour. That will allow them to identify which animals are genetically the most suitable for living peacefully in large groups.

The SAS research theme analyses the societal and ethical dimensions related to this project.

• prof. dr. ir. T.B. (Bas) Rodenburg
• prof. dr. F.L.B. (Franck) Meijboom
• dr. M.F. (Mona) Giersberg

• Dr P. Bijma (Wageningen University)