Research
In Brief
This page presents the research of Professor Andrew M. Janczak in animal behaviour and welfare (dyrevelferd), focused on pigs and poultry. It covers his methods (ethology / etologi, digital phenotyping / digital fenotyping, and AI-based analysis) and applied work on damaging behaviours such as tail-biting (halebiting) and feather-pecking (fjærplukking), including the NMBU FitPig project on finishing-pig welfare.
Last updated: 1 June 2026
Advancing Welfare Through Behavioural Science
Ongoing Projects
FitPig: Enhancing Gut Health and Welfare of Finishing Pigs
Researcher | March 2026 – December 2028 | Funding: The Research Council of Norway | NMBU
The FitPig project investigates how daily physical activity and free access to hay (both separately and in combination) can promote gut health, neural plasticity, and cognitive competence in finishing pigs. By exploring the gut-brain axis, we aim to identify non-invasive indicators of good health and welfare that can systematically predict future welfare outcomes.
As a researcher on the project team, my work focuses on exploring the complex relationships between behavioral responses, cognitive test variables, physiological stress markers (salivary cortisol), and gut/brain health measures. Utilizing path, network, and generalized linear mixed model analyses, we aim to determine how environmental enrichments influence both positive affective states and stress resilience.
View full project details on NMBURecent Projects
I have led several international research collaborations addressing welfare issues in production animals. My recent research involvement includes participation in international initiatives such as the EU-funded ChickenStress network, COST Action GroupHouseNet, and several ERA-NET and NFR-funded projects. These focus on areas like environmental enrichment, prenatal influences, and indicators of animal welfare. I am currently engaged in the COST Action AFFECT-EVO (An Evolutionary View to Understanding Affective States across Species), in collaboration with international research partners.
Research Methodologies
I use behavioural testing, cognitive assessments, stress biomarkers, immunological assays, and other tools across farm and laboratory settings. My research integrates interdisciplinary collaboration with a focus on both applied and fundamental science.
Research Outcomes
My work has contributed to improving animal welfare practices, including the development of alternatives to tail docking in pigs and enhancements to rearing systems for laying hens. These findings have supported both scientific understanding and policy development.
Research Group
I collaborate with a team of PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, research engineers, and international colleagues, primarily within EU-funded research frameworks and global scientific consortia. Many of these projects are hosted at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), where I hold my current academic position.
Frequent Questions
FAQ.
Methods, projects, and where to find the full output.