Eddie Bokkers

Dr. Eddie Bokkers serves as Associate Professor in the Animal Production Systems group at Wageningen University & Research, where he specializes in animal welfare and sustainable development of animal production systems. After completing his PhD in Animal Sciences from Wageningen University, he has established himself as a key researcher in understanding the complex relationships between animal welfare, environmental impact, and economic sustainability in livestock systems. His current work includes leading work package 2 of the ClearFarm project, where he focuses on validating sensor technology as welfare indicators in pig production chains. His research emphasizes the importance of combining traditional observation methods with modern technology to monitor animal welfare, particularly focusing on early detection of welfare issues through behavioral analysis, health monitoring, and physiological measurements. Through his teaching role in the MOOC "Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking" and the XSeries Programme in Food Security and Sustainability, he helps students understand the systems approach in animal sciences. His expertise spans multiple species including pigs, dairy cattle, and poultry, with particular emphasis on how technological innovations can improve animal welfare while maintaining sustainable production practices. He advocates for a balanced approach to technology in farming, warning against over-reliance on automated systems and emphasizing the continued importance of human observation and interaction in animal welfare assessment.