Profile

My research activities concern the welfare and behaviour of farm mink. On the basis of behaviour and physiological stress reactions in mink, the welfare of mink kept in conventional as well as in alternative housing systems is measured taking into consideration the importance of e.g. the size and complexity of the cage, number of mink per cage and occupational possibilities in the cage. Furthermore, various tests for measuring the patterns of reaction in mink are developed and evaluated. These tests are employed experimentally, e.g. for assessment and ranking of biological needs of mink, as well as in practice, e.g. for temperamental characterization of mink. Thus, the latter forms the basis for selection of confident mink instead of fearful and maladjusted individuals. Moreover, the effects of various management routines, feeding intensity, and feed composition on the welfare and productivity of mink are studied.