FarmLifeWFOpti
The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, FarmLife Welfare Index, assesses the animal welfare potential on dairy farms in three sub-areas.
- Husbandry conditions,
- Animal care and management as well
- Animal.
Over the past few years, the assessment system has been applied to approximately 400 Austrian organic dairy farms , yielding valuable experience for further development and adjustments to the tool's data collection parameters. Intensive exchange with staff from Austrian organic certification bodies also provided practical insights and constructive feedback on the application of the FarmLife Welfare Index. A traffic light system was proposed within this project to provide a clearer presentation of the assessment results; however, further data is required for its implementation.
were Workshops and training events organized to train farmers, advisors, hoof trimmers, and other data collectors in the practical application of the animal welfare assessment system. Knowledge about animal welfare assessment was also shared with students during the Science Days at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein . All of these training sessions not only conveyed the methodological foundations but also raised awareness of the importance of animal welfare and the opportunities for improvement.
Another focus of this project was the development of informational materials for improving animal welfare on farms. These practical information sheets are intended to provide farmers with practical and implementable guidance on improving animal welfare on their farms. The topics of lameness, mastitis, and skin and joint damage were of particular importance.
The FarmLife welfare tool is continuously being developed, adapted to current requirements and applied to other farms in order to sustainably promote animal welfare.
