Dit project onderzoekt hoe de gezondheid van het maagdarmstelsel samenhangt met het welzijn van vleeskuikens. Maagdarmproblemen komen vaak voor en beïnvloeden hun gezondheid en welzijn sterk. Het project bekijkt hoe welzijnsmaatregelen de kans op ziekten en herstel beïnvloeden. Ook worden nieuw manieren getest om gezondheid en welzijn te meten. De resultaten helpen bij het ontwikkelen van duurzamere houderijsystemen die het welzijn en de gezondheid van vleeskuikens bevorderen.

In the project Well-chick we aim to evaluate the impact of welfare-driven transitions in broiler chickens on gut health and resilience in broiler chickens.

In the coming years till 2040, there will be a movement towards animal-centered farming, as described in the
‘Convenant Dierwaardige Veehouderij’. This not only includes the prevention of negative welfare like injuries or
diseases but also enabling the animals to reach a positive mental state.

The results of Well-chick can form an essential contribution in the changes towards higher broiler welfare
production systems, not only in the Netherlands, but also on a wider European or even more global level, given
the developments in broiler production systems in the EU and beyond (e.g., related to the commitment of
many food producers to the European/Better Chicken Commitment). Insight into the interplay between
measures promoting a positive mental state in broiler chickens and disease risk and dynamics can support the
development of strategies for the implementation of higher welfare broiler systems in practice. Non-invasive
tools for early detection of disease will help farmers to take timely actions to prevent negative impact of
impaired intestinal health on broiler welfare, whereas both identification of effective management measures
improving broiler welfare by promoting positive emotional states, and supporting broilers during infection by
using feed additives, will provide farmers and policy makers with tools to improve broilers’ resilience. For the
partners involved, this project will also deepen the understanding of coccidiosis in future housing systems and
identify markers for early disease detection.