About the animal welfare team

Animal welfare is more than just a task – it’s a commitment. For decades, the team has been at the forefront of developing technological solutions to improve animal welfare on the day of slaughter. With an experienced team of specialists and a comprehensive understanding of both theory and practical application, Danish Technological Institute offers consultancy services to help businesses elevate their animal welfare standards.  

How we can assist: 

• Expert guidance on animal welfare: Whether facing challenges or striving for higher standards, expert advice ensures welfare goals are met.  

• Animal welfare strategies: Tailored strategies help companies adopt forward-thinking, welfare-friendly production methods.  

• Animal welfare audits: Using the in-house web-based audit system (WQC), evaluations and documentation of animal welfare and meat quality are provided to support improvement.  

• Real-time animal surveillance: Advanced AI monitoring in lairage and stunning areas ensures improved stunning quality and better animal behaviour management. x Validation of new technologies: Validation of tools and technologies ensures they improve animal welfare and meet operational expectations. 

Our team of experts:

Dorte Schrøder-Petersen – Head of section Dorte, a veterinarian with a PhD in ethology (animal welfare), combines practical experience from clinical practice and abattoirs with political insight gained as a special advisor at Denmark’s Ministry of Environment and Food.  

Rikke Bonnichsen – Senior Consultant Rikke holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Science and has practical experience in pig production at the farm level. With extensive expertise in welfare legislation and animal behaviour, she specialises in animal handling and slaughter practices.  

Claus Hansen – Senior Consultant Claus, a veterinarian with a PhD in animal production, has a background in the Danish pig industry. His expertise includes animal welfare, strategic development, and precision livestock farming (PLF). Claus focuses on digital solutions that enhance welfare, productivity, and health while driving value creation.  

Ida Bahnsen – Consultant Ida, with a master’s degree in animal science, combines practical pig production experience with expertise in animal behaviour, handling, and feeding. She brings a unique ability to integrate digitalisation and sustainability into humane production practices.  

Franziska Hakansson – Senior Consultant Franziska, with a PhD in ethology and animal welfare, blends animal behaviour science with digital innovation. Specialising in machine learning and monitoring solutions, she advances precision livestock farming (PLF). Her international perspective supports collaboration across borders.  

Daniel Hjorth Lund – Consultant Daniel, a veterinarian, combines his biological expertise with statistical analysis to provide insights to farmers and manufacturers. He evaluates automation systems, enabling manufacturers to enhance system performance and improve animal welfare.  

Peter Vorup – Consultant Peter, with over 30 years of experience at Danish Technological Institute, Peter specialises in animal welfare, particularly in transport and lairage. His practical expertise and data-driven insights make him a valuable advisor for companies aiming to improve their practices