In the EIP project “Mountain Dairy Cattle”, innovative structural solutions for dairy cattle stables as well as pioneering alternative business development strategies for grassland farms in mountain areas were developed, comprehensively evaluated and documented. The results can provide valuable assistance for affected companies. Structural aspects, animal welfare and emission risk potential, sustainability criteria and economic viability were considered.
The assessment results on animal welfare potential have shown that the level of animal welfare depends on numerous factors. The most important points are summarized here:
- sufficient movement areas
- Species-appropriate food and water intake
- There are plenty of comfortable berths
- a bright, airy environment
- targeted management measures by farmers
- Access to pasture and exercise definitely improves animal welfare!
The following article provides an overview of the results on the animal welfare potential on Austrian mountain dairy farms: Mountain dairy cattle - innovative stable construction on the mountain
The entirety of the results from the EIP project “Mountain Dairy Cattle” show tailor-made solutions for mountain businesses in structurally difficult and economically challenging situations. Further information as well as the advisory brochures created in the project on innovative construction solutions and alternatives to dairy farming on the mountain can be found on the project homepage www.bergmilchvieh.at .
