Ariette van Knegsel

Dr. Ariette van Knegsel is a Researcher at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in Adaptation Physiology. She holds a PhD in Animal Science (2007) and has led multidisciplinary projects on dairy cow management, energy metabolism, and lactation optimization. Her work integrates nutrition, health, and reproductive physiology, with a focus on improving cow welfare and farm sustainability.

Education:

• Master in Animal Science, Wageningen University (2002)
• PhD in Animal Nutrition and Adaptation Physiology (2007)

Research Interests:

• Energy metabolism and lactation physiology
• Cow-calf contact systems and welfare
• Impact of dietary strategies on health and productivity
• Use of sensor data for heat stress management

Teaching: Supervises PhD students and teaches courses on animal health, welfare, and future livestock systems at BSc, MSc, and postgraduate levels.

Projects: Leads initiatives like OptiLac (extended lactation optimization) and cow-calf contact system studies, involving collaborations with Dutch dairy industry partners.

Labs/Teams: Part of the Adaptation Physiology Group, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to livestock health and sustainable farming practices.