Farmers who wish to continue rearing sows in future in accordance with the new Animal Welfare and Livestock Husbandry Ordinance (TierSchNutztV) (February 2021) must have their mating centre rebuilt or converted by February 2029 at the latest. Many farmers are still unclear about how to go about this new build or conversion. This vodcast, which is supported by numerous images and sketches of a pen layout, is intended to offer guidance to all farmers wishing to build or convert their facilities.

Farmer Martin Dittmar reports on how he already keeps his sows in the breeding centre in compliance with all the requirements of the TierSchNutztV and shares his experiences. Specialist advisor Lukas Schmidle from LSZ Boxberg explains, from an advisory perspective, how the redesign of the breeding centre can work and what needs to be taken into account.  

This vodcast was produced as part of the ‘Pen Structure’ working group of the Pig Animal Welfare Competence Centre within the Fokus Tierwohl network.

Further information on pen layout in the breeding centre

Further information on group housing of sows in the breeding centre