A new approach to Pig Husbandry: reduced emissions, no tail-docking, no castration, no crates: effects on animal health, behaviour, farmer`s satisfaction and environment

The aim of the project is the scientific evaluation of a novel pig husbandry system without crating and
without non-curative procedures (no docking and castration) while optimizing emissions management. In
relation to the goals of the German livestock strategy to improve animal welfare, the focus will be on animalcentred analyses to evaluate animal welfare based on animal behaviour in a system comparison to
conventional pig farming. This system comparison will be complemented, first, by quantifying the general
health status, particularly the Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome (SINS), and, second, by the
measurement of emissions and environmental impacts of the farm's own development for faecal-urine
separation. In addition, an assessment of labour economic parameters and job satisfaction in the new
housing system compared to the conventional one is carried out.
If a positive effect of the husbandry system under investigation on the health status and welfare of the
animals can be determined, this husbandry system represents a promising step towards socially accepted
farm animal husbandry. If, in addition, a reduction of the environmental impact and an increase in job
satisfaction can be demonstrated, this housing system would be a showcase example of sustainable pig
farming.