This is what German pigsty will look like in the future

The Ministry of Agriculture in Germany presents new housing concepts that have economic and social support among farmers and citizens. "I think it is very important that the investments in these stables can be earned back," said Minister Julia Klöckner (Food and Agriculture).

The Virtual Stable of the Future must combine everything that is good for animals and feasible for farmers. This project, funded by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMEL), was presented at the end of May. This project investigated what the innovative and animal welfare-oriented pig stables of the future could look like. These are stables that are socially accepted and at the same time practically feasible.

Social approval
“The work of farmers is increasingly monitored and discussed in society (including the conditions in the stables and the impact that livestock farming has on water, soil and climate). Anyone who speaks with livestock farmers realizes that they are sensitive to this issue If we want to successfully continue livestock farming in Germany in the future, the sector needs broad social approval and at the same time the sector has to be well positioned economically," said Klöckner at the presentation.

This is the line that the ministerial project 'Virtual Stable of the Future' has in mind. It brings together everyone needed to design innovative, economically viable and socially acceptable barns: scientists, citizens, farmers and animal experts, barn builders. There is more animal welfare, space and working comfort, but there is also more transparency and aesthetics in the barn of the future.

Everyone was given the opportunity to participate in the conversation and this created awareness for the different positions. It soon became clear that there is no standard barn of the future that meets all regions and conditions.

Additional costs
According to Klöckner, the additional costs of the barn of the future will amount to at least €30 per finisher. "However, the additional costs cannot be borne by the farmer alone. Consumers must be prepared to pay for the improvements at the checkout. That is why I am working on the rapid introduction of an animal welfare label from the government. That label should reflect the additional costs and added value." the European Commission has already approved it."

Core results
The key results of the barn of the future are:

• More space and freedom of movement for sows, piglets and fattening pigs,
• Separate and separate functional areas,
• Unlimited supply of roughage, straw beds or other organic work material,
• Possibilities for showering and tossing for the fattening pigs,
• Access to an outdoor climate for all animals weighing over 30 kilos,
• Constructions made of wood to meet durability requirements and aesthetics.

Several parties are involved in the project: Georg-August University of Goettingen, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf, Richard Hölscher GmbH and Co KG and the interest organization of pig farmers in Germany (ISN).

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