Arne Vanhoudt

Dr. Arne Vanhoudt serves as a Visiting Researcher at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine within the Department of Farm Animal Health. His work focuses on critical aspects of dairy cattle health and welfare, with particular emphasis on hoof diseases and herd management strategies.

Dr. Vanhoudt's research primarily centers on digital dermatitis in dairy cattle, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. His work includes developing non-antibiotic treatments, improving detection methods through technologies like infrared thermography, and implementing risk assessment protocols for herd management. His doctoral research completed in 2023 established comprehensive frameworks for managing this economically significant hoof disease. His publications demonstrate expertise in both clinical veterinary medicine and epidemiological approaches to dairy herd health challenges.

His research portfolio spans multiple dimensions of dairy production health, including udder health management, calf development parameters, and cow comfort metrics in automated farming systems. Dr. Vanhoudt frequently collaborates with international researchers, as evidenced by his publications with co-authors from Canada, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. His work at Utrecht University contributes significantly to advancing sustainable practices in modern dairy farming through evidence-based interventions that reduce antibiotic dependency while maintaining animal welfare standards.