Working together to improve advice on research involving farm animals

Together with Royal GD and with support from Nutreco, SFR has contributed to the establishment of DoelDierenDEC. This Animal Experiments Committee (DEC) has specialist knowledge and expertise in farm animals.

Target animal research involves the species for which the results are ultimately intended. For example, research into the effectiveness of a vaccine for pigs involves testing the vaccine in pigs themselves. This differs from research using animal models, in which mice, for instance, are used to better understand disease processes in humans.

Specialist knowledge
DoelDierenDEC was established in response to the need for greater species-specific knowledge when advising the Central Authority for Scientific Procedures on Animals (CCD) on research proposals. The committee includes experts in the housing and care of farm animals, as well as their health and welfare. It also brings together expertise in experimental design, statistics and ethics.

On 29 July 2026, the CCD officially recognised DoelDierenDEC. This authorises the committee to provide scientific and ethical advice to the CCD on research applications involving farm animals. The committee’s specialist knowledge supports the careful assessment of these applications and ultimately contributes to the health and welfare of farm animals.

Also available to other organisations
DoelDierenDEC welcomes research proposals via the CCD from other organisations as well as its founding partners. By bringing together specialist knowledge, DoelDierenDEC provides a valuable platform for organizations  conducting research into the health and welfare of farm animals.

With extensive experience in applied research involving farm animals, SFR has in-depth knowledge of animal health, welfare and nutrition, as well as the careful design and conduct of animal research. We also contribute this expertise to DoelDierenDEC.

Is your organization planning research involving farm animals, or would you like to know how SFR can help? Get in touch with us. We would be happy to discuss opportunities for research and collaboration.