Rick van Emous

Rick van Emous, PhD, is a senior researcher at the Animal Nutrition department within Wageningen University & Research, specializing in broiler breeder management, poultry nutrition, and welfare assessment. His work focuses on improving reproductive performance, chick quality, and sustainable poultry production systems.

• Key Affiliations: Animal Nutrition (Wageningen University & Research)
• Academic Rank: Researcher

Research Interests
Rick van Emous investigates critical aspects of broiler breeder nutrition, including dietary strategies during rearing and laying phases, feather pecking reduction, and carcass quality optimization. His studies address welfare challenges in modern poultry systems, such as hock burn prevention and perching preferences.

Recent Publication Trends
His recent work (2024-2025) emphasizes feeding frequency, enrichment effects, and seasonal influences on broiler breeder behavior and carcass quality, with collaborations on practical interventions like surgical beak treatment alternatives and rooster management.

Projects & Activities
He leads LVVN projects including Slow is the new Grower (SloGro) (2025-2026) and Breeders Of the Future (BOF) (2025-2027), focusing on sustainable poultry systems. He has delivered keynote talks and lectures (2013-2022) on topics like quality time stable management and nutrition for hatchability.