The 25 farms are certified participants in Schirnhofer's quality assurance program. During carcass inspections, findings related to lungs, pleura, and peritoneum are primarily recorded. Between 40 and 65% of the animals from all farms examined show lung abnormalities. Pleurisy is present in up to 52% of all animals. Within the scope of the proposed project, the 25 farms with the most frequent disease characteristics will be examined. Following the implementation of the ventilation system improvements proposed by Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Schirnhofer will examine the carcasses for any changes or improvements in the findings, primarily regarding lung abnormalities.

Project goals:

• Identifying ventilation deficiencies and possibilities for their remediation in the investigated businesses.
• Evaluation of improved animal health based on the slaughter findings of Schirnhofer Ges.mbH before and after any improvements to the ventilation system.
• Passing on these findings, including the economic calculations, to agricultural businesses and especially to companies and consultants.

The aim is to raise awareness among agricultural businesses regarding the conversion and, above all, the construction of new barns. This applies particularly to ventilation and barn construction companies, extending to potential liability claims by agricultural businesses against the contractors. Contrary to all previous studies and the resulting findings and recommendations, serious deficiencies are being observed in practice.

Since ventilation problems not only have enormous effects on animal health, but are also associated with an increased occurrence of emissions, especially of harmful or foreign gases and dust, positive effects on the surroundings of these barns and thus on the environment are to be expected.