EIP Project Database

Find EIP-AGRI projects in Germany

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Alternative housing systems for sows

Authority

Thüringer Ministerium für Infrastruktur und Landwirtschaft

Federal State

Thuringia

Contact

Werner-Seelenbinder-Str. 8
99096 Erfurt

Website: External link to the authority

Project Title

Alternative housing systems for sows

Project description

For the housing systems of sows, especially during artificial insemination and in the period before and after farrowing, more and more changes are being demanded which offer the sows more freedom of movement and comfort. In alternative/ free farrowing pens, the conventional fixed farrowing crates are replaced by crates that can be opened. Research objective of the Operational Group is the effect of an alternative housing system to measurable criteria of animal welfare, animal health and the biological performance of sows. The pilot project provides practical results and experiences to other farmers about the implementation of alternative housing systems for sows.

In the first phase of the project, a market analysis of the existing alternative housing systems and a selection of for the farm suitable alternative free farrowing pens and self-catching feeding pens were carried out. A new farrowing and breeding barn was built through the investment support for agricultural companies in Thuringia and presented to the public.

 

Results focusing on practiceorientation

The aim of the market research was to reconcile the requirements for the farrowing pens and breeding barn with the needs for safety at work and an improved animal welfare. Various criteria must be observed and weighed up individually for each farm, for example the risk of injury to humans and animals, space requirements of the animals, design of the piglet nest, floor design and hygiene, robustness of the equipment. It is important that farmers visit different models at trade fairs and in use at other farms and select suitable process solutions for their own barn according to their own criteria. Throug thehe involvement of the farm‘s employees in the preparation of the decision, the selected procedure was very well accepted by all those involved in the work with the new housing facilities. The aim is to achieve a calm process in barn management without stress for humans and animals.

Key words

Animal husbandry

Main funding source

Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups (in the sense of Art 56 of Reg.1305/2013)

OG contact information

Agrarprodukte Bernsgrün-Hohndorf eG
Triftweg 1
07937 Zeulenroda-Triebes

Phone: +49 (0) 37431 3426

Email: agrar-oberland@t-online.de

Type of OG partners

  • Farmer
  • Advisor
  • Researcher
  • Industry

Begin of project

2016

Project status

completed

Total budget applied for in EUR

98,250

Further information

2015 LFE 0024

Link 1

Project poster

Link 2

practice sheet

NUTS3 CODE

DEG0L

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