Film about the modular wooden stable part 1 (click here)

Film about the modular wooden stable part 2 (click here)

In contrast to organic dairy farming, organic pig farming represents an extremely small percentage (approx. 2%) of Austrian pig production as a whole. The differences to conventional farming are particularly large in the farrowing area, which makes many farmers hesitate before switching to organic pig farming. Free farrowing without a piglet protection cage with an extended suckling period of at least 40 days characterizes organic piglet production. In addition, restrictions in the feed sector (freedom from GMOs, absence of extraction meals, synthetic amino acids and enzymes) pose a further challenge in rearing piglets and caring for the nursing sow. Offering an exercise area clearly distinguishes organic pig farming from conventional farming, even in stable construction.

Main focuses of the presentation

The Pig Animal Health Department primarily deals with issues of preventative animal health. Since the term animal health is closely linked to terms such as husbandry, feeding and management, it represents a complex area of ​​responsibility for us with many interesting sub-areas.

The main focus is on the areas of management, health care with medicinal plants and other biogenic substances, improving well-being through animal-friendly stable housing and feeding sows and piglets under the conditions of the EU organic regulation 834/2007 and 889/2008.

New vaccine against coliform edema disease approved

IDT Biologika GmbH produces a new vaccine against edema disease in piglets, which has been approved throughout Europe. According to the manufacturer, this is the first time that there is an effective prevention against this economically important disease in rearing piglets. ECOPORC SHIGA is a one shot vaccine that can be administered from the 4th day of life. The vaccination protection lasts until around the 15th week of life, well into fattening. Studies prove its effectiveness against Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria, with a reduction to almost 0%.

Farms that have had problems with edema piglets in the past should contact their veterinarian to discuss the possible use of vaccination.

The following chapters give an impression of the work of the department and are divided according to technical topics:

General animal health

Oral iron supply for organic piglets

Iron is an essential nutrient in the development of piglets. As a central component of blood and muscle pigment, iron is vital. Many enzymes rely on the presence of iron in the body.

Mother's milk contains significantly less iron than the piglets need to live. About 1/10 of the supply can be guaranteed through milk. The rest must be supplied externally. It is usual to give an “iron injection” on the 2nd or 3rd day of life. An organic iron compound (usually iron dextran) is administered into the piglet's muscles and ensures iron supply for the first 14 days of life. The piglets then absorb iron through solid food and thus cover their needs.

Iron could also be given in the form of pastes, but special chemical compounds are required (dextran, fumarate,...) Since the EU Organic Regulation 889/2008 only allows iron for oral intake in the forms iron carbonate, sulfate or oxide , this form is de facto not available for organic farms.

• Oral administration of iron to suckling piglets - This lecture gives an overview of the problems in organic farming and presents the results of our own experiments with inorganic iron pastes.

• A hot iron BIO AUSTRIA - BIO AUSTRIA magazine 6/2006, p. 40/41: Short report on the experiences with an inorganic iron paste

• Oral administration of iron to suckling piglets under the conditions of organic piglet production - contribution to the scientific conference on organic farming 2009

Parasite management

Pigs are plagued by “blackheads” throughout their lives. These parasites can live in the form of “ectoparasites” on the surface of the skin (lice) or in the skin (mites) and cause damage, or they can parasitize in the body as “endoparasites” (worms).

The question of how to deal with parasites is particularly important for organic farms, as chemically synthetic drugs are often used to combat them.

Alternative therapies such as homeopathy or phytotherapy achieve insufficient success in combating parasites. Although these therapies strengthen the animals' immune system, treatment with such agents does not lead to improvement in severe parasite infestations. It is therefore essential to pursue a strategic concept to combat parasites on organic farms.

• Endo- and ectoparasites in pigs - overview lecture with a focus on effective chemical-synthetic preparations

• Don't look away, fight strategically - Bio Austria Magazine 4/2008, pp.34-35 - Information on the most common parasites, briefly summarized for agricultural businesses

• Parasite brochure - LFI 2004 - compiled by veterinarians and consultants, this brochure provides a comprehensive overview of the most important parasites and how they can be combated

Animal health and feeding

Animal health is influenced by many factors. In summary, the word “management” is often used. The decisions of the animal carer play an important role. Why does it matter from which farm animals are purchased? How high does a farmer choose the stocking density in the stable? Does the activity material influence changes in the animals' behavior? How is the health of the herd related to the well-being of the carers? Many unanswered questions that are not always easy to answer on a scientific level. These questions are the focus of the publications listed.

Why do animals get sick? This lecture attempts to use sheep farming as an example to show general connections between animal care and animal health. Lecture by the Sheep Breeding Association 2010

Is purchasing animals unhealthy Bio Austria Magazine 1/2006, p.42-43 - Every animal purchase influences herd health. Strange animals bring unknown germs into the stable and can thus promote or trigger diseases. The article deals with the effects of animal traffic and provides tips on how to avoid mistakes when purchasing animals.

Pigs need minerals: Harvest Magazine 1/2006, pp. 40-41 - Organic farms rely on their animals' high ability to compensate by promoting keeping conditions, offering varied rations and avoiding stress. Nevertheless, basic rules must be adhered to when feeding growing animals. A lack of zinc supply can, for example, lead to serious skin changes.

Parakeratosis in an organic pig farm: scientific report on the effects of zinc malnutrition in fattening pigs.

Tail biting in organic piglets: Even in well-managed organic farms, behavioral problems such as so-called “tail biting” can occur. The cause is not always clear. The information sheet provides information that can be helpful in clarifying the cause.

Veterinary care for organic pigs: The progressive farmer 12/2007, pp. 16-17 - An article for farmers who are interested in switching to organic pig farming. The key points of treatment options for organic pig farms are presented in a clear manner.

Castration on organic farms

Castration of male suckling piglets is carried out in the first 7 days of life. The purpose of the measure is to prevent the substances androstenone and skatole from having a negative influence on meat due to gender. For several years now, a painkiller has been administered on organic farms before castration in order to reduce the pain caused by wounds. The publications presented here provide an indication of how complex this topic is and what effects a waiver of castration would have. Even if preserving the complete integrity of the animals is understandable from an ethical point of view, a possible abandonment of castration raises many new questions. A date for a Europe-wide end to castration without anesthesia is currently on the table in 2018. Depending on the success of the current intensive efforts to establish different forms of anesthesia in practice, as well as the introduction of boar fattening in large slaughterhouses, this date may hold or be pushed back even further.

• Current aspects of castration of male piglets. 1. Notice

• Current aspects of castration of male piglets. 2nd communication: scientific contribution as a basis for the castration discussion. In addition to a description of current practice and possible alternatives, an ethical assessment of the different alternative methods is carried out at the end of the article.

• How far must animal protection go: ÖBV Magazine 3/2009, No. 308, p. 12-13 - Review article presenting possible alternatives
• Surgical piglet castration - are there alternatives? Lecture on the occasion of the 2006 livestock protection conference at the LFZ Raumberg-Gumpenstein

• Fattening of immunocastrated pigs - practical experiences - lecture

• Fattening of immunocastrated pigs - practical experiences - report on immunocastration on the occasion of the 2010 livestock protection conference at the LFZ Raumberg-Gumpenstein

• Piglet castration leaflet: Instructions for using a painkiller before castration (2010). The following medicines are currently approved in Austria for the treatment of castration-related wound pain. (As of January 2013): Metacam®, Finadyne®, Melovem®, Rifen®

Management in the breeding sow stable

Group keeping of piglet-bearing sows: “Group suckling” 

• Group suckling in organic pig farming - FIBL leaflet 2007
• Breastfeeding group for pigs in BIO AUSTRIA magazine. 5/2007

• Group suckling in organic sow units - Conference proceedings ISOFAR 2008, p.110 - 113
  Group suckling in piglet-producing organic farms in Austria - Lecture 15th outdoor conference:

Production rhythm in breeding operations - lecture 2007

Publication: Stable construction for organic animal husbandry - pig http://oekl.at/publikationen/lts/lts229/

• Pietrain x Duroc published in BIO AUSTRIA 3/07

• Brochure Quality meat production from organic pork 2006
• Skimmed milk powder - high-quality protein for suckling piglets 2009
• 10th scientific conference: Effects of system-typical rations on reproductive performance and health of lactating breeding sows in organic farming
• Lecture: What do plant substances (solan) do
• Research report: Feeding strategies in of organic pork production to ensure food safety
• ISOFAR Conference 2008: Effects of silage or probiotics on performance...

Stable construction

Wels farrowing pen: Final report on the results of 150 farrowings in the Wels farrowing pen

WelCon farrowing pen: new development for organic and conventional farms

Stable construction

New construction and conversions are cost-intensive measures that must be carefully considered. In recent years, many new concepts for organic animal husbandry have emerged in German-speaking countries. While the so-called FAT-2 pen was standard in farrowing houses in Austria at the beginning of the 2000s, more pens based on other concepts have recently been installed. The so-called SUM RULE, which enables farmers to design stable space and exercise areas more flexibly, has made a significant contribution to this development. In consultation with the responsible authority (BMG), the following points were agreed upon, under which the requirements for minimum stable and exercise areas are also met:

1. Both the minimum total area and the minimum run-off area must be adhered to.
2. In the thermally insulated area, the animals must be offered a completely usable, closed, bedding area that is suitable for size and temperature.
3. The minimum stable area (according to Annex III of Regulation (EC) 889/2008) must be covered. At least 10% of the minimum run area is not covered.
4. The run is always accessible.

The 3rd edition of the agricultural technology series: Stable construction for organic animal husbandry SWINE is dedicated to this topic and gives many practical tips that should be taken into account when building a stable. Further information about the brochure can be found on the website of the Austrian Board of Trustees for Agricultural Technology ( www.oekl.at/publikationen/lts/katalog/229 ).

WELSER FARVING BAY

A new development that was made possible with the above-mentioned sum rule is the Wels farrowing pen. This is a bio-suitable pen in the outdoor climate stable. The main characteristics are the clear separation of the 4 functional areas: berth, activity and excretion area, feeding stand and piglet nest. Since this is an outdoor climate stable, the question of temperature control in the piglets' nest and in the sow's lying area is of particular importance.

The following publications provide an overview of the research work at the Wels farrowing pen between 2010 and 2013

Description of the bay concept

• Free farrowing in an outdoor climate stable - is that possible?

• Wels farrowing pen - stable description

Working time requirements in the bay

• Wels farrowing pen: Time is money - A report in the Progressive Farmer about the working time surveys in the pen

• Determination of the working time requirements of the Wels farrowing pen: Diploma thesis by Paul Pötz, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences

• Working time requirements in the Wels farrowing pen - Poster: The most important things summarized in a poster

Results of the last few years

• New concept for free farrowing: Current evaluation of the first 100 farrowings (2013)

• New development in the sector of “free farrowing pens” (LC updates 2012)

• Wels farrowing pen - performance data and experiences: conference proceedings Bio Austria Bauerntage (2012)

WelCon farrowing pen – NEW DEVELOPMENT for organic and conventional farms

Based on the experiences of the different pen concepts at the Wels location, a warm stable variant of the Wels farrowing pen was developed in collaboration with SCHAUER-Agrotronic. The centerpiece is a door mechanism that allows the sow to enter and leave the feeding area from the lying area. This means that there is no need for a second outlet opening to reach the feeding stand (as in the outdoor climate version). This separate feeding area now also allows the sow to be restrained for a short time during pen cleaning or piglet manipulation (vaccination, castration). This means that the requirement for occupational safety when dealing with sows in free farrowing pens can also be met.

The prototype of the WelCon Bay – BIO was developed at the Thalheim/Wels location and has already been tested on some sows. The sum rule was also applied in this bay variant. With an interior area of ​​6.5 m² (including piglet feeding area and piglet nest), the 4 m² lying area is kept similarly clean as in the Wels farrowing pen.

The conventional version of the WelCon is offered either with a closed lying surface or with a PVC floor (minimal perforation) and cast iron grid in the excrement area.

Product description: http://www.schauer-agrotronic.com/uploads/media/WelCon_Abferkelbucht.pdf

Piglet diarrhea

Diarrhea represents a major threat in the lives of piglets. Both the first days of life (early diarrhea caused by E.Coli or Clostridia) and the 2nd/3rd day of life. Weeks of life (coccidia) are critical times in the life of piglets. After weaning at 6 weeks (BIO), there is another critical phase in which the piglets have to find their way without a mother and usually in a new environment with only solid food. Diarrhea during this time is usually caused by E. coli and can also lead to death.

A focus of research in recent years has been the use of plant substances to regulate piglets' digestive processes after weaning. Compared to chemical-synthetic substances (e.g. antibiotics), herbal remedies have a milder effect, but unfortunately they are also less effective against harmful bacteria.

That's why herbs and spices cannot replace antibiotics in an emergency, but are used successfully in many places as adjunctive therapy or in the sense of targeted prevention.

The following articles and lectures provide an insight into working with plants in the sense of phytotherapeutic support for piglets during times of increased susceptibility to diarrheal pathogens.

• Stages of successful piglet rearing

• Has there been an herb to combat weaning diarrhea? The Progressive Farmer 6/2008 pp. 28-29

• With bloodroot against diarrhea Bioland 06/2010 pp. 18-19

• Naturally prevent diarrhea The Progressive Farmer Issue 19/2010 p.22-23

• Antibiotic-free piglet rearing and pig fattening - an illusion?

• Prepare piglets optimally for weaning

• Phytotherapy for piglet diseases - possibilities and limits of treatment Swiss Journal of Health Medicine 2016;28(suppl 1) pp. 31-32

Use of medicinal plants

• ÖAG brochure: Medicinal plants for farm animals
• Book: Herbs for farm animals and pets
• Jugl et al.: Testing of the palatability....
• Vet Journal 5/2005 p.26-28 Phytotherapy in livestock farming
• 9th Scientific Conference on Organic Farming: 2007, Phytotherapeutic treatment of an influenza infection in an organic pig farm - case report.

Herbs and diarrhea prophylaxis

• 10th Scientific Conference 2009 Use of herbs, clay minerals and effective microorganisms to prevent weaning diarrhea

• The Progressive Farmer 6/2008 pp. 28-29 Has an herb grown to combat weaning diarrhea?

• Research report Kräutofer 2007 - Piglet diarrhea - Use of an additional feed with clay minerals, microorganisms and herbs

• Herbal tea for pigs Bioland 08/2013 pp. 29-30

Films

• Organic pig farming - a tour of the institute
• Waiting stable
  The pregnant animals are kept in stable groups, ie there are 5 sows in each pen, which were occupied at the same time and moved together into the farrowing stable one week before farrowing. By separating the feeding, lying and activity areas, the lying area of ​​the sows is kept clean. Manure is mainly deposited outside, so that the stable only needs to be mucked out and sprinkled sporadically. Roughage (hay, silage, grass) is offered in the run, which increases the attractiveness of the open spaces.
• Boar Bay
  The boar is kept outdoors all year round, a small hut protects against rain, wind and cold, and a wallow is used to cool down.
  
• Gilts
  Gilts can either be purchased from a breeder or added to the sow population through their own offspring. The gilts are first mated when they are around 220-240 days old and have a live weight of 130-140 kg. When selecting gilts, attention must be paid to criteria such as mammals, claws, feet and legs, gait and body length.
• Washroom
  Shortly before the expected birth date, sows in a farrowing group are prepared together for birth. The animals are cleaned in a “shower room” using warm water and soap so that dirt and parasites are not carried over into the cleaned farrowing area. Particular attention is paid to cleaning areas of the body that are difficult to access (ear, teats, interclaw gap).
• Nest building obsolescence
  Sows that are not restrained during birth can almost fully express their innate behavior around the birth process. This includes, among other things, intensive nest building before birth. Long straw is gathered into a nest with its mouth. This lying nest is worked on in a circle for hours and then serves as a birthing place. The more clearly the nest building instinct is developed, the smoother the birth can be. The result is rapid birth and few stillborn piglets.
• Individual farrowing
  At birth, the sows are provided with a farrowing pen that consists of several areas. The piglet's nest is aligned with the service aisle. Approximately 1 m ² in size guarantees enough space for 10 piglets during the entire nursing period. The lying area is also used for nursing and is separated from the defecation area by a transverse wall. Self-closing doors create a weatherproof barrier to exit. These doors can be opened by the sows with their trunks and can also be passed through by the piglets via a small loophole. The withdrawal of the sows from the group shortly before birth corresponds to the natural behavior of pigs. In principle, restraining the sows for possible treatment or in the event of aggressive behavior towards the piglets is legally possible, but has never been necessary in recent years.
• Group farrowing
  In this farrowing system, the sows in a farrowing group remain in the group even during birth. There are “litter bunks” with piglet nests available for the animals to retreat to. The sows can leave and enter these bunks at any time; the piglets are prevented from leaving the bunk for the first 10 - 14 days. This measure serves to ensure an undisturbed mating phase between piglet and mother. This is the only way to ensure that every piglet finds its mother again when it sucks after leaving the litter box and that quarrels between piglets from outside the litter can be prevented.
• Birth
  Birth is a physiological event in the life of a breeding sow and normally does not require human involvement. Piglets are born every few minutes to an hour. After just a few minutes, they get up, walk to their mother's breasts and take colostrum. The end of labor is marked by the complete removal of the afterbirth. Free sows statistically have shorter births with fewer stillborn piglets than restrained sows. To ensure that suckling piglet losses are kept to a minimum when animals are not restrained, not only the pen design but also the mother characteristics of the sow are of great importance.
• Piglet nests
  Piglets have a higher heat requirement than the mother sows. Therefore, all piglets in a litter are provided with a temperature-optimized microclimate area (piglet nest) during the nursing period. The piglet nest heater must enable the piglets to lie optimally; this is achieved through good heat distribution and a continuous supply of heat.
• Group suckling
  The group keeping of sows with piglets - also known as group suckling - is based on the natural behavior of pigs in free-living populations. There the sow separates from the herd a few days before birth and returns to the sow group with the piglets around 10 - 14 days after birth. This timing is adopted for group suckling and adapted to the stable conditions. Sows are usually housed in individual farrowing crates a few days before birth, where they remain until they are reintegrated into the group after around 14 days. Until the end of the nursing period, 2-5 sows are kept together in a group pen. In order for group suckling to work well, the birth times of the sows must not differ by more than about 5 days from each other. Otherwise, the risk of “cross suckling” increases, which means that piglets from outside the litter disrupt the sucking process and steal milk from these sows
• Piglet rearing
  After at least 40 days of suckling, the piglets are separated from their mother. The sows are moved to the waiting stable and re-bedded there when heat occurs (4-7 days after weaning). A breeding stable is available for the piglets, which is completely bedded and has a heated piglet nest. Warmth is vital for the first few days without a mother, as not only the stable conditions change, but also the daily rhythm and the nutritional basis. During the suckling period, the mother dictates the meals, after which the piglets decide for themselves when and how much of the solid food they eat. After about 4 more weeks, the piglets weigh 25 kg and can be sold on to organic fattening farms.
  
• Organic pig in the future
  

  Organic farming does not always necessarily have something to do with romantic farms. Today, organic means high-tech, even in the pigsty. Andreas Jäger (Servus TV) visited the Institute for Organic Agriculture at the LFZ Raumberg-Gumpenstein in Wels, because the organic pig of the future is to be found here under scientifically controlled farming conditions.

  The video takes you through the scientific work with organic pigs.