Following a two-year construction phase, the Animal Welfare–Environment Interaction Barn (‘TUI Barn’) was opened in 2025 at the VBZL Haus Riswick for research and demonstration purposes. In this unique barn, the interactions between animal welfare and environmental protection in dairy farming are being comprehensively researched, with the aim of developing practical solutions for the future.
The barn consists of five physically separate compartments, each accommodating 24 animals. Four compartments feature slatted floors with different surface textures and cleaning methods, whilst another is designed as a straw or compost barn. Thanks to its modular design, floor coverings, cubicles and husbandry techniques can be flexibly varied and tested.
The focus is on measuring emissions of ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, as well as the behaviour and welfare of the animals and the impact of different housing concepts on the environment and climate. Using modern sensor and camera technology, data on air quality, animal movement and comfort are recorded and analysed.