A conversation with Dr. Birgit Heidinger from HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein and the farmer and “young improver” Thomas Reisecker about innovations for existing pig breeding and fattening barns (IBeSt).
Animal welfare requirements are increasing, while new buildings are hardly feasible for many farms (financially and/or in terms of permits), and demolishing existing barns is not sustainable. IBeSt, together with working farms, investigated how existing barns can be further developed to benefit both the animals and the people on the farm. In conversation with PD Dr. Andreas Steinwidder Birgit explains the scientific basis, results regarding animal welfare, barn climate/emissions, and economics – and why animal welfare always also means "human welfare." Farmer and pig breeder Thomas Reisecker recounts how the conversion of his barn worked in practice: what surprised him, what went well, and where the challenges lie.
A podcast full of practical insights and new information for everyone concerned with animal welfare, pig farming, and future issues in agriculture.
Further information:
Innovations for existing pig rearing and fattening facilities, for the benefit of animals and humans
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