Goals and tasks
Ofner-Schröck Elfriede, Dr

Ofner-Schröck Elfriede, Dr

Organic farming & biodiversity of farm animals
Gumpenstein
Trautenfels 15
8951 Stainach-Pürgg
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+43 3682 22451-400
+43 3682-22451-410
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  • Deputy director of the “Institute for Organic Agriculture and Livestock Biodiversity”
  • Head of department “Species-appropriate animal husbandry, animal protection and herd management”
  • Deputy Head of Research and Innovation

  • Development and testing of new animal-friendly, cost-effective and economically optimized husbandry systems and stables for agricultural animals, including the necessary ethological studies
  • Development of spatial and functional programs for agricultural animal husbandry (especially for cattle, sheep, goats)
  • Review and further development of methods for assessing animal welfare
  • Animal husbandry and stable construction in organic farming
  • Objectification of the area of ​​conflict between animal protection and livestock farming
  • Testing of stable facilities in the function of a testing center in cooperation with the specialist center for animal-friendly animal husbandry and animal welfare
  • Development of standards, technical guidelines, information sheets and recommendations in the area of ​​agricultural construction and stable technology at national and international levels
  • Work in national and international working groups
  • Deputy member of the Austrian Animal Welfare Council
  • Member of the eco-efficiency research group

Valuable professional exchange on organic research

In September 2024, colleagues from Department II/3 of the BML visited the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein Bio-Institute to learn about bio-research topics...

LfL Bavaria’s Organic Farming Competence Center visits the Organic Institute

The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein Organic Institute has been working closely with the LfL Organic Agriculture Competence Center in Bavaria for many years. &nbs...

Teaching materials for the animal welfare tool on FarmLife

You are here on the FarmLife learning platform in the area of ​​teaching and learning materials on the subject of ANIMAL WELFARE. These are free to download...

FarmLife Science - scientific basis for FarmLife

You are here on the FarmLife learning platform in the area of ​​the scientific principles of FarmLife. These are freely available for download...

i2connect project group visits the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein

EIP Bergmilchvieh i2connect Excursion The detailed analysis of the EIP “Mountain Dairy” project was the focus of the three-day visit by the delegates...

Development of measures to optimize animal welfare potential using the FarmLife Welfare Index for cattle

Animal welfare and the labeling of agricultural products are becoming increasingly relevant to society. The one at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenst...

Completed projects on the farm management tool FarmLife

Here you will find links to the already completed projects of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein eco-efficiency research group. ...

Results from the EIP project mountain dairy cattle

In the EIP project Mountain Dairy Cattle, innovative structural solutions for dairy cattle stables as well as pioneering alternative business development...

Promoting animal health through optimal animal husbandry - 67th Podcast

Save costs and increase animal health - correct stable keeping and careful care make it possible! Animal-friendly keeping conditions...

Successful organic farming seminar for teachers in Tyrol

The annual seminar on organic farming in the classroom once again proved to be a meeting point for Austrian teachers, researchers, ...

Organic livestock day with HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein

On Friday, April 26, 2024, Bio AUSTRIA organized together with the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein at the State Agricultural College R...

Children's animal welfare conference participants visit the Bio-Institut

The children's animal protection conference, which was initiated by the state of Styria and carried out in collaboration with the association "Tierschutz macht Schule"...

Organic Institute at the international scientific conference on organic farming

The 17th Scientific Conference on Organic Farming took place from March 5th to 8th, 2024 at the Justus Liebig University of Giessen (JLU). Under the motto...

Sustainable food management through knowledge of agricultural animal husbandry

The job of food manager often forms the link between agriculture and consumers. It is of great importance to have well-founded...

3. Successfully completed diploma course to become an instructor in hoof care

The examination for the 3rd diploma course in functional claw care to become an instructor took place on January 13th, 2024. In addition to a written test...

Application and further development of the FarmLife Welfare Index for cattle

Animal welfare and the labeling of agricultural products are becoming increasingly relevant to society. The one at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenst...

Currently ongoing projects for the farm management tool FarmLife

Here you will find links to the current projects of the eco-efficiency research group at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. ...

Basic hoof trimmer course successfully completed

Professional hoof care makes a significant contribution to animal health and welfare. Basis for working as a hoof trimmer and...

Didactic evaluation and dissemination of the FarmLife educational concept

The project “Didactic evaluation and dissemination of the FarmLife educational concept” (FarmLife Education II) was successfully completed in December 2023...

Effects of keeping dairy cows on short grass or paddocks on individual animal and area performance

More milk in paddocks or short grass pastures? Each grazing system has its specific advantages and disadvantages. In dry conditions, paddock pastures are less...

Effects of keeping dairy cows on short grass or paddocks on individual animal and area performance

More milk in paddocks or short grass pastures? Each grazing system has its specific advantages and disadvantages. In dry conditions, paddock pastures are less...

Bio-Institute network hub

The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein Bio-Institute is a network hub for research, teaching, advice and practice. So it took place again on September 28, 2023...

Raise and improve cow comfort with “FarmLife-Welfare”.

As part of the Austria-wide seminar “Raising and improving cow comfort”, which took place on September 20, 2023 at the LFS Pyhra, the...

The next diploma course to become an instructor in functional claw care is in the starting blocks

It's almost that time again - the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, in cooperation with European Hoofcare, is organizing the next diploma course on...

OÖ LK President at the Bio-Institut

Franz Waldenberger visited the organic farming site in Lambach/Stadl-Paura and found out about research in the field of legumes. ...

Seminar for teachers “Organic Agriculture”

The seminar for teachers will take place on Friday, November 17, 2023 in the seminar room at the Bioinstitut Moarhof. ...

Grassland consultants meeting at the Bio-Institut

On April 13, 2023, the meeting of the Austrian grassland organic consultants took place in the new organic institute building of the HBFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein at Moarhof...

Hoof trimmer advanced training course successfully completed

Professional hoof care makes a significant contribution to animal health and welfare. Basis for inter-company activity as a class...

Diploma course as an instructor in functional claw care

The project goal is to promote animal welfare, animal health and economic efficiency in cattle farming, certificate course for instructor for func...

Ensuring adequate water supply for cattle - 13th Podcast

Prevent heat stress in cattle through appropriate water supply Increasing heat waves in Central Europe require adapted management and suitable...

Austrian Conference for Organic Agriculture 2024

On Thursday, November 14th, the Austrian Conference for Organic Agriculture will take place at the HLBLA St. Florian. ...

EIP mountain dairy cattle – results on animal welfare potential

Small-scale mountain dairy farming, which is widespread in the Austrian Alpine region, faces major challenges. ...

EIP project mountain dairy cattle

This EIP project was about the further development of husbandry systems for promising dairy farming in mountain areas - development...

Visit of the WKO - QM responsible for the food trade

On Friday, July 8th, a small but fine delegation from the WKÖ, quality management department in the food trade, visited the HBLFA Raumberg...

Raumberg-Gumpenstein farm animal protection conference

This year's Raumberg-Gumpenstein farm animal protection conference took place on May 18, 2022. ...

Making animal welfare visible – in the national final “Youth Innovative”

Jugend Innovativ has been one of Austria's most important school competitions for innovative ideas for 35 years. ...

Valuable results for mountain companies

Small farms in disadvantaged mountain areas make a valuable contribution to preserving the cultural landscape and food supply...

Full house - mountain dairy cattle conference - review

Small-scale mountain dairy farming faces major challenges. As part of the mountain dairy cattle conference at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstei...

Farm Animal Protection Conference 2022

The traditional livestock protection conference will take place again at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein on May 18, 2022. ...

First diploma course to become an instructor in functional claw care successfully completed!

On December 16th - 17th, 2021, with a delay due to Corona, the first final exam for the instructor diploma course that started in 2020 took place...

Accompanying manual to the FarmLife Animal Welfare Potential Assessment

At the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, an assessment system for the animal welfare potential of dairy stables was developed - the FarmLife Welfare I...

Second diploma course for instructors in functional hoof care

Six hoof trimmers from Austria, Germany and Luxembourg are taking part in this year's course, which is organized by the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein in ...

Innovation Farm and digitalization

The Innovation Farm project deals with new technologies, trends and developments and makes them visible for agriculture,...

The eco-efficiency research group of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein introduces itself

For several years - officially since mid-2019 - there has been an inter-institute research group at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein...

Animal welfare potential assessment in dairy farms

In a current research project at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, an assessment system for the...

Children’s animal protection conference – “Animal protection sets a precedent”

The children's animal protection conference, which was initiated by the state of Styria and carried out in collaboration with the association "Tierschutz macht Schule"...

People and animals at the center of the new EU organic regulation: specialist event on animal husbandry and pasture management in organic farming

On June 9th and 10th, the Europe-wide online conference on the topic of animal husbandry and pasture management in organic farming took place, organized by the network...

People and animals at the center of the new EU organic regulation: specialist event on animal husbandry and pasture management in organic farming

On June 9th and 10th, the Europe-wide online conference on the topic of animal husbandry and pasture management in organic farming took place, organized by the network...

Raumberg-Gumpenstein construction conference 2021 - review available

This year's Raumberg-Gumpenstein construction conference took place from 19th to 20th. May 2021 as a web conference. ...

Web conference construction conference Raumberg-Gumpenstein

This year's Raumberg-Gumpenstein construction conference will take place from 19th to 20th. May 2021 as a web conference. We would like to warmly invite you.&nbs...

Development of an animal welfare assessment system for implementation in the farm management tool FarmLife

The topic of animal welfare is becoming more and more important in agriculture but also in social discussions both nationally and internationally...

The HBLFA is a testing center in accordance with Section 8 Paragraph 1 of the Specialist Agency/Human Resources Ordinance

The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein is recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health as a testing center in accordance with Section 8 Paragraph 1 of the Specialist Center/Humanity Systems Ordinance...

Will local agriculture save conventional family businesses from extinction?

Applied research bears responsibility for stakeholders. In this sense, the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein is associated with the farms in Austria...

Show me your feet – professional hoof care for cattle

Claw diseases play a major role in everyday cattle life. Many factors are important for claw health: feeding and metabolism...

Austrian mountain dairy farms in focus

The management of green spaces in mountainous regions is invaluable. After all, this is also a guarantee...

Digital is awesome!?

Advancing digitalization offers agriculture the opportunity to automate work processes on the farm...

Successful webinar: Raumberg-Gumpenstein farm animal protection conference

In mid-May 2020, the traditional livestock protection conference took place at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, which was held for the first time this year due to the occasion...

Raumberg-Gumpenstein farm animal protection conference - for the first time as a web conference

In mid-May 2020, the traditional livestock protection conference took place at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, which was held for the first time this year due to the occasion...

EIP project mountain dairy cattle started to support mountain businesses

Small-scale mountain dairy farming faces major challenges. The economic situation is tense and restructuring measures are required...

ERA-NET SUSAN Project: FreeWalk

ERA-NET SUSAN Project: Develop economic sound free walk farming systems elevating animal welfare, health and manure quality, while being appreciated b...

Individual life cycle assessment of agricultural businesses in Austria

Farmers are increasingly confronted with questions about resource consumption and the environmental impact of their production systems. Both aspects are closely...

Development of an animal welfare assessment system for implementation in the farm management tool FarmLife

The topic of animal justice or animal welfare is gaining ground in agriculture, but also in social discussion, both nationally and internally...

Eco-efficiency in practice

Soil, plants, animals and fertilizer form a cycle in which food is produced. In a closed circuit, this is exactly how...

Scientific basis for eco-efficiency

Eco-efficiency expresses the relationship between environmental impact/resource consumption and the economic value of a production process...

International recommendations for cattle farming have been developed

The international CIGR working group “Cattle Housing”, which consists of stable construction experts from 10 European countries and North America, has...

Assessment of a new type of deep box with a rubber base using an animal positioning system

In this project, a comparison was made between a conventional straw-manure mattress and a new deep box variant with a rubber base under...

Assessment of a new type of deep box with a rubber base using an animal positioning system

In this project, a comparison was made between a conventional straw-manure mattress and a new deep box variant with a rubber base under...

Framework conditions for the use of compost stables in dairy farming

Compost stables for dairy cattle are also becoming increasingly popular in Austria. This project aims to analyze the framework conditions...

Evaluation of the animal protection measure in the LE 07-13 program

The main goal of the project is to evaluate the animal protection measure in the LE 07-13 program with regard to its effects on agricultural...

Cross Compliance Assessment System for Animal Welfare - cross compliance tool for animal welfare

The main objective of this project is to develop an analytical tool to assess the impact of Cross Compliance (CC) with regard to...

Comparisons to pork production with boars, castrati and female animals

The aim of the project is to clarify whether fattening boars is possible under the prevailing conditions. Another part of the investigation is...

Manuals and checklists for self-evaluation of animal welfare

In order to effectively implement the Austrian Animal Welfare Act in practice, a study conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Women in Au...

Assessment of farrowing crates - legal compliance and housing technology

In a large, modular project in collaboration with the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences...

Assessment of farrowing crates - stable climate and thermoregulation behavior

In a large, modular project in collaboration with the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences...

Organic stable construction brochures

As part of a project by the Austrian Board of Trustees for Agricultural Technology and Rural Development (ÖKL), practical documents for the maintenance...

Comprehensive consideration of the assessment quality of the animal welfare index TGI 35L/1996 for cattle

Systems that are suitable for reliably assessing the animal welfare of husbandry systems on farms are being used throughout Europe...

Animal welfare standards of a model region

On the occasion of the entry into force of the Austrian Federal Animal Welfare Act on January 1, 2005, the cattle-keeping businesses were subjected to a model...

Validity of the animal welfare index TGI 35 L - cattle

The animal justice index TGI 35 L, developed in Austria, has proven to be a practical and accurate instrument for assessing animal justice...

2400: EmiScrap

Emissions optimization of manure removal in cattle stalls

2403: Cattle farming

Environmental technologies in cattle farming - establishing an international partner network

2426: WiPrax

Transfer of scientific knowledge into agricultural practice

2430: TG low input

Development of company-adapted strategies to optimize animal health on low-input dairy farms as part of the low-input educational measure

2437: PanSens4

Relationships between rumen pH and blood parameters in dairy cows depending on body condition in the peripartum period

2440: FarmLifeWF

Development of an animal welfare assessment system for implementation in the farm management tool FarmLife

3623: BoxPos

Assessment of a new type of deep box with a rubber base using an animal positioning system

3636: WT: Beev comp

Assessment of compost quality and odor and climate-relevant emissions in compost stables for cattle

3637: WT: BeRubb

Assessment of the slip resistance of different rubber mat coverings

3650: WT FarmLifeII

Toolbox eco-efficiency for agricultural advisory and educational practice

3651: WT FarmLifeApp

Practical application of the farm management tool “FarmLife” in the model region “Liezen District”

3660: WT FreeWalk

Develop economic sound free walk farming systems elevating animal welfare, health and manure quality; while being appreciated by society - ERA-NET-SUSAN project

3671: WT P4Heat

Assessment of heat detection systems using milk progesterone testing