Abstract: New and old, both works

Type and Average of Pigs on the Farm

1,900 grower-finishers.

Farming System

Large-scale production system.

Description and Evaluation of the Good Practice

This farm has grown pigs for decades, focusing on efficient production without compromising animal welfare. The new pig house, built in 2018, is equipped with advanced technology to ensure stable and comfortable conditions, minimizing stress—even in temperatures over 30 °C, thanks to good air circulation and moisture control. Pens are designed based on pig behavior, with two manure areas in corners, solid flooring for resting, long troughs to reduce feed competition, and daily enrichment with sawdust, straw, and wooden sticks. Similar results are achieved in the old pig house (renovated in 1997), where pigs are kept in smaller groups and concrete stones are added to slatted areas to discourage lying. Key factors include dry conditions, good ventilation, and group feeding.

Farm Context

• Pigs
  Genetics not specified
  Different flooring and pen layout support pigs in using designated areas for resting, eating, and dunging.
• Environmental Enrichment
  Wooden sticks, 2.2 kg straw/pig, 2.6 kg sawdust/pig.
• Housing and Management Characteristics
  Space allowance: 1.0 m²/pig (85–110 kg), 1.1 m²/pig (110–135 kg)
  Pen design: New pig house (2018): 0.8 m concrete slats, 2.2 m solid concrete, 1.35 m partly slatted (10%), 1.35 m fully slatted with 15pigs/pen. Old pig house (1997): 3.3 m solid concrete, 1.2 m plastic/concrete slats with stones with 8-9 pigs/pen.
  Floor type: Partly slatted with provision of straw and sawdust.
• Management Practices
  No change in pig management, but cleaning is easier. Small groups reduce hierarchy conflicts. Pigs are regrouped by size after two weeks. Vaccination against circovirus and lawsonia using IDAL technique. High biosecurity: clothing and footwear protocols, restricted access.

Economic Analysis

Investment cost varies by building. New pig house (2018): €800/pig, total cost ~€1 million, 30% investment support, built in 8 months plus planning. Old pig house (1997): €370/pig, total cost ~€400,000, 30% investment support, part of old barn being converted for additional pig space. Benefits include basic welfare plan (€11/3 fatteners), improved housing conditions (€59/3 fatteners), and requirement of >95% intact tails at slaughter.

Environmental Analysis

Slurry pits: 1.2 m deep, emptied twice a year. Air quality controlled with Schönhammer air conditioning system. Reduces ammonia emissions and improves indoor environment. The system helps maintain a stable temperature within the pig house which is essential for the pigs’ comfort and growth. Slurry production: ~4,000 m³/year (1.8 m³/pig), used as fertilizer. Water usage: ~5,000 m³/year (including cleaning). GHG emissions not measured.
Replicable Benefits and Relevance for Other EU Countries

Raising pigs with intact tails is feasible in all conditions if basic factors—ventilation, dryness, group feeding, and health care—are ensured. Bedding and enrichment are beneficial but not essential. This model is common in the country and yields good results. EU investment programs could follow this example but for that the Welfare support in the country is €21/pig for farms with >95% intact tails at slaughter.