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Animal Welfare Network: Practical knowledge for animal-welfare-friendly and sustainable livestock farming

Publications from the Animal Welfare Centres of Excellence


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The nationwide Fokus Tierwohl network was established to provide long-term support to livestock farmers in Germany and to help them prioritise animal welfare, environmental protection, production quality and market orientation. The joint project aims to improve the transfer of knowledge into practice in order to make pig, poultry and cattle farms in Germany fit for the future in terms of animal-welfare-friendly, environmentally sound and sustainable livestock farming.

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Please note that the English versions of the content on this website have been translated automatically using the DeepL translation tool.
While every effort has been made to ensure accurate and understandable translations, discrepancies or inaccuracies may occur. The German version of the content is legally binding and should be referred to in case of doubt.

News from the Animal Welfare Network and the industry

Reducing ammonia emissions in pig farming is a key priority for environmentally sound and sustainable farming systems. Specialist information on feeding, housing technology and structural measures highlights which approaches can help reduce emissions and what needs to be taken into account when implementing these on the farm.

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Whether it’s a new build or the conversion of an existing barn to include an outdoor climate area, Johannes Schulte Eißing’s farm demonstrates how the requirements of housing categories 2 and 3 can be implemented in a practical way. In this interview, farmer Johannes Schulte Eißing talks about his experiences to date with the new building and the housing concept, providing a practical insight into day-to-day life on the farm.

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Breeding for hornlessness in cattle is an important, animal-welfare-focused alternative to dehorning. It helps to reduce avoidable interventions on the animals and is becoming increasingly important in modern dairy farming and cattle breeding. Find out more about genetics, inheritance and practical knowledge regarding hornlessness in dairy cows and bulls that pass on the hornless trait.

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The virtual tour of the TUI barn at the VBZL Haus Riswick offers fascinating insights into an innovative research and demonstration project on modern cattle farming. The focus is on new barn designs that improve the welfare of dairy cows whilst also tackling challenges relating to emissions, climate and the environment.

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Methane emissions from dairy cows are a key factor in climate protection within the agricultural sector. During digestion, methane – a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change – is produced naturally in the rumen. 

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As the warmer months begin, insect activity increases significantly once again. Flies, midges and other species are now finding increasingly favourable conditions for reproduction. A poster set from the Animal Welfare Competence Centre for Cattle provides clear information on the development and distribution of flies, midges and black flies. It also explains disease transmission routes and presents practical measures for prevention and control. 

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As the warmer months begin, insect activity increases significantly once again. Flies, midges and other species are now finding increasingly favourable conditions for reproduction. A poster set from the Animal Welfare Competence Centre for Cattle provides clear information on the development and distribution of flies, midges and black flies. It also explains disease transmission routes and presents practical measures for prevention and control. 

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When suckler cows are kept out to pasture in the summer, they are exposed to higher temperatures. A pasture sign can be used to inform passers-by about how this animal-friendly form of husbandry is organised and how the animals cope with the summer heat.

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On 28 and 29 April 2026, the first network meeting of the Poultry Pilot Farms for 2026 took place at Buchenau Castle. The event offered participants the opportunity to exchange professional insights, discuss current issues in poultry farming and further strengthen the network.

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An overview of all ITW criteria for broiler chickens and turkeys: space allowances, housing systems, enrichment & feeding – as of May 2026.

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Nationwide events calendar of the network partners

Reports from the events

Network partners

Animal Welfare Pilot Farms

Technical information

Upcoming events on the topic of beef 

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(Ausgebucht) Training der technischen Großtierrettung
technische Großtierrettung, Großtierrettung

10. Juli 2026 08:30 - 15:30,
Haus Riswick, Elsenpaß 5, 47533 Kleve

Bei der Arbeit und im Alltag mit Rindern und Pferden kann es immer wieder zu kritischen Situationen kommen. Tiere können in eine Notlage kommen und müssen schnellstmöglich aus…

(Ausgebucht) Training der technischen Großtierrettung
technische Großtierrettung, Großtierrettung

11. Juli 2026 08:30 - 15:30,
Haus Riswick, Elsenpaß 5, 47533 Kleve

Bei der Arbeit und im Alltag mit Rindern und Pferden kann es immer wieder zu kritischen Situationen kommen. Tiere können in eine Notlage kommen und müssen schnellstmöglich aus…

Projekt InnoKalb: Systematische Datenauswertung für gezieltes Kälbermanagement
Kälber, Kälbergesundheit, Kälberaufzucht

22. Juli 2026 19:00 - 21:00,
Online

Der Grundstein für ein gesundes und erfolgreiches Milch- oder Fleischrind wird bereits in den ersten Lebenswochen eines Kalbes gelegt. Ein wichtiger Bestandteil der Gesundheitsüberwachung liegt dabei in der…

Upcoming events on the topic of pigs 

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Hobbyhaltung- Gesundheit von (Mini-)Schweinen im Blick
Kleinsthaltung Haus- und Minischweine, Minischweine, Gesundheitsmanagement

25. Aug. 2026 19:00 - 21:00,
Online

Wer (Mini-)Schweine hält, trägt Verantwortung für deren Gesundheit, Wohlbefinden und eine tierschutzgerechte Haltung. Doch welche gesetzlichen Vorgaben gelten für Hobby- und Kleinsthaltungen? Wie lassen…

Niedersächsisches Biosicherheitskonzept: Programmschwerpunkt Rind
Biosicherheit, Tierwohl

3. Sept. 2026 09:00 - 15:45,
Heidejäger - Kräuterhotel & Restaurant, Rotenburger Straße 62, 27356 Rotenburg/Wümme

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,hiermit laden wir Sie zu einer Qualifizierungsveranstaltung zum Niedersächsischen…

Upcoming events on the topic of poultry 

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Fit für den Ernstfall: Umgang mit Seuchen in Klein- und Mobilställen
Seuchen, Mobilstall, Kleinsthaltung, Geflügel allgemein

28. Juli 2026 19:00 - 21:00,
Online

Das Seuchengeschehen im Geflügelbereich hält weiterhin an. Aufstallpflichten treffen besonders Klein- und Mobilställe. Wie sollten Tierhalter:innen in solchen Situationen reagieren? Welche Maßnahmen der…

Calciumversorgung - Was braucht mein Huhn?
Legehennenfütterung

8. Okt. 2026 19:00 - 21:00,
Online

Für eine bedarfsgerechte Legehennenfütterung spielt die Versorgung mit Calcium eine entscheidende Rolle. Die rund 90 bis 95 % Kalk (Calciumcarbonat), aus denen die Schale von Hühnereiern besteht, deckt die…

Funded projects on cattle welfare

Funded projects on poultry welfare

MuD Animal Welfare: Knowledge – Dialogue – Practice