But barn equipment companies are also offered advisory support in the development of housing systems. Therefore, within the framework of a large-scale, modular project in cooperation between the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, the most important farrowing systems offered by companies in Austria will be examined with regard to animal welfare and animal health, economic efficiency, and legal compliance.

The aim of this sub-project (work package 1) is to examine 10 different types of farrowing pens for their legal compliance and to gather information on the material properties, durability, and ease of use of these housing systems. This will provide farmers considering investing in farrowing facilities with essential background information.
The investigations will be carried out at the Gießhübl GmbH research and education barn for pig farming, which houses a total of 600 sows and has 103 farrowing places. An initial situation analysis and continuous documentation of any deficiencies will be conducted throughout the project.