The EIP project "Mountain Dairy Cattle" developed, comprehensively evaluated, and documented innovative structural solutions for dairy barns and forward-looking alternative farm development strategies for grassland farms in mountainous regions. The results can offer valuable support to affected farms. Structural aspects, animal welfare and emission risk potential, sustainability criteria, and economic viability were all considered.
The assessment results regarding animal welfare potential have shown that the level of animal welfare depends on numerous factors. The most important points are summarized here:
- sufficient space for movement
- Species-appropriate food and water supply
- Comfortable berths in sufficient number
- a bright, airy environment
- targeted management measures by farmers
- Access to pasture and outdoor runs significantly improves animal welfare in every case!
The following article provides an overview of the results regarding the animal welfare potential on Austrian mountain dairy farms: Mountain Dairy Farming - Innovative Barn Construction in the Mountains
The results of the EIP project "Mountain Dairy Farming" demonstrate tailored solutions for mountain farms facing structurally difficult and economically challenging situations. Further information, as well as the project's advisory brochures on innovative building solutions and alternatives to dairy farming in mountainous regions, can be found on the project website: www.bergmilchvieh.at.
