Animal behaviour and welfare lab
Research Field
Dr. Yi-Chun Lin is an academic and researcher with a rich background in animal welfare and behavior, specifically focusing on farm animals. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Bristol, where she majored in farm animal welfare and conducted significant research on the use of animal welfare outcome measurements in farm assurance schemes.
Currently, Dr. Lin holds the position of Assistant Professor at National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan. In her role, she teaches a variety of courses including Animal Ethics, Animal Behavior, Animal Welfare, Hygiene of Livestock and Fowls, Companion Animal, Anatomy, and Physiology of Animals. Her research interests remain deeply rooted in Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior, and Precision Livestock Farming.
Dr. Lin is actively involved in several research projects aimed at advancing animal welfare science and practical applications. Her current research focuses on early-life heat stress exposure in dairy calves, criteria for effective stunning of indigenous broilers, perching behaviour of laying hens, and three-dimensional navigation in animals and its implications for animal welfare. Through these projects, she seeks to bridge fundamental behavioral research with on-farm welfare assessment and precision livestock management.
The Animal Behavior and Welfare Lab, led by principal investigator Dr. Yi-Chun Lin, is a dynamic research group based at National Chung Hsing University. The lab focuses on advancing our understanding of animal welfare and behavior through various innovative research projects. The team comprises one Ph.D. student and six master’s students, each contributing to the rich academic and practical environment fostered by Dr. Lin.
The lab's research portfolio is diverse and focuses on both farm and companion animals. Here's an overview of the current study projects being undertaken:
- Early-Life Heat Stress Exposure in Dairy Calves
This research examines how heat stress during early life affects physiological development, behavior, and long-term welfare in dairy calves, with the aim of identifying critical exposure periods and mitigation strategies for hot and humid environments. - Criteria for Effective Stunning of Indigenous Broilers
This study establishes science-based criteria for effective stunning in indigenous broilers by integrating behavioral and physiological indicators to ensure humane slaughter and compliance with animal welfare standards. - Perching Behaviour of Laying Hens with a Focus on Early-Life Perch Exposure
This research investigates how early-life exposure to perches influences perching behaviour, spatial use, and welfare in laying hens, with implications for rearing practices and housing design in alternative systems.
2024 Teaching Excellence Award II
2024 University Outstanding Mentor Award
2021 University Merit Award for Excellent Teaching Program
2021 University Outstanding Mentor Award
Dr. Yi-Chun Lin's educational background is marked by significant academic achievements in the field of animal welfare and veterinary sciences. Here are the details of her educational qualifications:
Ph.D. in Farm Animal Welfare
- Institution: University of Bristol, UK
- Year Graduated: 2015
- Thesis: "The use of animal welfare outcome measurements in farm assurance schemes"
- Supervisors: Prof. David Main and Dr. Siobhan Mullan
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Technology
- Institution: National Taiwan University
- Year Graduated: 2009
During her time at the University of Bristol, Dr. Lin focused her research on enhancing the methods used to measure and improve animal welfare within farm assurance schemes, contributing to the field with both practical insights and theoretical advancements. Her education at National Taiwan University provided her with a robust foundation in animal science, equipping her with the essential knowledge and skills that later supported her specialization in animal welfare during her doctoral studies.