The goal of the project

The fundamental goal was to adapt and improve existing fattening and piglet rearing facilities with regard to the following areas:

• Animal welfare
• Farmers' identification/satisfaction with the husbandry system or their own work
• Acceptance among consumers/society

To ensure practical applicability, the project involved collaboration with 18 partner farms (9 rearing farms and 9 fattening farms). This allowed their expertise and experience to be incorporated into the project results. These partner farms are model farms that will continue to share their experiences and knowledge in the region and beyond, even after the project has ended.

Planned indicators

The conversion and adaptation options were discussed individually with each partner company. These can include, among other things, the following measures:

• Increased space
• Increased group size
• Establishment of a bay structure or separation of functions
• Differentiated soil conditions
• Improved activity materials
• Optimized climate control (barn cooling, temperature zone formation)

Austrian pig farmers should be provided with a comprehensive basis for decision-making regarding various options for converting and adapting barns, including their effects on animal welfare, workflows, labor requirements, and economic impacts. The impacts on the barn climate and the environmental effects resulting from changes in floor conditions and climate control measures (barn cooling, zoning) should also be communicated. Changes in gaseous emissions and measured emission factors should be used in future construction projects (conversions/extensions). Furthermore, the project findings can contribute to the further development of the new funding standard under the "Pact for Greater Animal Welfare.".

 

 Key aspects related to posture

Project duration: 2021-2025

Further information: Project homepage

Innovations for existing pigsties: we'll walk this path together!

 

We – farmers and researchers – are working together to find ways to improve existing pig farms, both in piglet rearing and fattening, and to increase animal welfare.

In this film, we show that it's possible! Especially if you're open to experimentation and innovation. Learn more about our work and find practical tips on our website ( short.boku.ac.at/IBeSt ) and our Instagram channel ( @ibest_schwein ). The film was produced by Daniel Gollner .

 

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