We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Collaborative project: The welfare of fattening pigs will be improved by a structured veranda. Innovative techniques and by using the cognitive abilities of pigs it will be possible to maintain a forced ventilation of the stable and a control of exhaust air. This and, in addition, optimized dung areas will help to reduce emissions - subproject 2 (MeTEmSiS)
Project
Project code: 28RZ3079
Contract period: 15.01.2019
- 15.01.2022
Budget: 230,867 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
The aim of this project is to significantly improve the welfare of fattening pigs and, at the same time, to reduce the conflict of objectives between animal welfare and environmental protection by intelligent techniques and by using the cognitive abilities of pigs. This aim will be achieved following interlocked work packages: 1. Housing conditions of fattening pigs will technically be optimized by offering an outdoor veranda including a separated litter and rooting area, a lying and a small defecation area. 2. Learning strategies (operant conditioning) and technical devices will be developed to automatically train the pigs to use a lock for changing between the inside of the stable and the outdoor veranda. By this technique it will be possible to combine an outdoor veranda with a forced ventilated stable. 3. Defecation area will be optimized in order to increase its use by pigs and, thus, to reduce the area spoiled by faeces and urine leading to lower emissions. 4. Low-maintenance and robust techniques will be developed allowing a separation of faeces and urine.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal Husbandry
- Animal health