Christine Leeb

Christine Leeb is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her work centers on animal welfare, ethology, and sustainable livestock production, with a strong focus on pigs and cattle in organic systems.

Her research interests include animal husbandry, livestock ethology, animal welfare assessment, herd health management, and sustainable agriculture. She investigates feeding systems, housing conditions, behavioral indicators, and breeding strategies to improve animal welfare and farm sustainability. Her work often bridges science, policy, and practical farming.

Christine Leeb’s recent publications focus on ad libitum feeding in lactating sows, the use of fermented herbal extracts to reduce tail biting, outdoor run design, shower systems for pigs, and multi-criteria sustainability assessments of pig farms. Her work integrates animal-based measures with economic and environmental analyses, reflecting a holistic approach to livestock systems.

• Goldenes Stethoskop für Lehre (2007)

She leads and participates in numerous research projects funded by the EU, Austrian ministries, and private organizations. Her work involves advising students, collaborating with international research consortia, and engaging in knowledge transfer to farmers, industry, and policymakers. She is actively involved in developing practical tools for animal welfare assessment and improvement.

Christine Leeb is a key member of research teams focusing on organic pig production (e.g., ProPIG), animal health planning, and sustainability assessment. She collaborates closely with institutions across Europe and contributes to transdisciplinary projects that integrate animal science, economics, and environmental science.