The 2021 amendment to the Animal Welfare and Livestock Management Ordinance, with its varying implementation deadlines, the new criteria for the 2024 Animal Welfare Initiative, and the additional federal support programme for the restructuring of livestock farming (BUT) introduce many new regulations and criteria for piglet production. This article compares the various requirements and provides a quick overview for piglet producers.
Federal Programme for the Restructuring of Livestock Farming
In 2024, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home Affairs (BMLEH) launched a funding programme for the conversion of livestock farming (BUT). In general, the federal programme for the conversion of livestock farming distinguishes between investment support and support for the ongoing additional costs of housing facilities in pig farming. These are two separate funding programmes, which must also be applied for separately. Whilst farms that already meet the requirements of the funding programme for ongoing additional costs – for example, by adhering to the criteria of a recognised organic association – most conventional farms can only meet these criteria once the housing has been converted or newly built, for example by utilising the investment funding. The support programme funds the conversion or new construction of housing, provided these are outdoor climate-controlled housing, housing with access to outdoor areas or free-range systems for all age groups in piglet production, rearing and fattening. A prerequisite for funding is the fulfilment of so-called ‘premium requirements’, e.g. a paved lying area and roughage racks.
The premium requirements for both parts of the programme are largely identical; however, additional management requirements apply to funding for ongoing additional costs.
Animal Welfare Initiative
The Animal Welfare Initiative is a funding programme, inspection system and certification body for animal husbandry practices; it was established in 2015 as a partnership between the agricultural, meat and food retail sectors. Its aim is to provide financial support to livestock farmers for measures that go beyond the legal requirements and to monitor their implementation.
| Up to 5 animals | 6 to 39 animals | 40 or more animals | ||
| Sow | Animal Welfare Ordinance | 2.50 m² | 2.25 m² | 2.05 m² |
| Sow | ITW (10% more space) | 2.75 m² | 2.48 m² | 2.26 m² |
| Sow | Support scheme (20% more space) Outdoor climate zone | 3.00 m² | 2.70 m² | 2.46 m² |
| Gilt | Animal Welfare Ordinance | 1.85 m² | 1.65 m² | 1.50 m² |
| Young sow | ITW (10% more space) | 2.04 m² | 1.82 m² | 1.65 m² |
| Gilt | Support scheme (20% more space) Outdoor climate zone | 2.22 m² | 1.98 m² | 1.80 m² |
| Boars | Animal Welfare Act | 6.00 m² | ||
| Boar | ITW (10% more space) | 6.60 m² | ||
| Boar | Support scheme (20% more space, outdoor climate) | 7.20 m² |
<figcaption>Table 1: Space requirements for sow and boar housing</figcaption>
Farrowing pens
Since the Animal Welfare and Livestock Husbandry Ordinance (TierSchNutztV) came into force in 2021, it has required exercise pens (“farrowing pens in which sows and gilts can move freely when kept individually”) in farrowing units. However, there are transition periods for the implementation of the legal requirements; farrowing pens must be converted by 9 February 2036 at the latest. By 2033, livestock farmers must submit a conversion plan and apply for planning permission. These transition periods apply only to housing approved or brought into operation before 2021.
Both the legal requirements and the requirements of the BUT funding programme stipulate that farrowing sows must be kept in exercise pens of at least 6.5 m². Restraint is permitted for a maximum of five days around the time of birth. The guidelines of the Animal Welfare Initiative are limited to the legal requirements.
| TierSchNutztV | ITW | Animal Husbandry Conversion Funding Programme | |
| Space requirements | 6.50 m² | 6.50 m² | 6.50 m²; for free farrowing, at least 7.50 m² of free movement space for the sow |
| Watering | Watering for sow and piglets from day 1 | Sows drink from an open area via troughs or bowl drinkers | |
| Nesting material | Sufficient straw or other nesting material 1 week before the farrowing date | Sufficient straw or other nesting material 1 week before the farrowing date | Sufficient straw or other nesting material 1 week before the farrowing date |
| Piglet nest |
Space requirements according to the following formula:
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Space requirement according to the following formula:
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Space requirement according to the following formula:
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| Lying area for sows |
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Breeding centre and holding pen
Major changes are already on the horizon for the breeding centre in 2029. Sows may no longer be kept in individual pens; instead, weaned sows must be housed in groups with a space allowance of 5m² per sow. The breeding centre must provide sows with sufficient freedom of movement in group housing, combined with opportunities for retreat. Feeding and lying pens alone do not meet this requirement. Short-term restraint is permitted for oestrus detection and insemination.
For barns approved or brought into operation before 2021, the following deadlines apply for the conversion of the mating centre: A conversion plan had to be submitted by 9 February 2024, and a planning application must be submitted to the relevant authority by 9 February 2026. The breeding centre must be fully converted by 9 February 2029 at the latest.
Animal Welfare Ordinance (Exception: farms with fewer than 10 sows) | ITW | Support scheme for livestock housing conversion | |
Space requirements in the mating centre (Period from weaning to insemination) |
| As per the Animal Husbandry Ordinance | As per TierSchNutztV |
| Outdoor climate | Outdoor climate stimulation | ||
| Feeding and resting pens |
Aisle width behind the bays:
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Aisle width behind the feeding and resting pens:
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| Lying area |
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| Watering |
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Management
There are significant differences in management measures between the various support schemes and certification schemes. The Animal Welfare in Livestock Farming Regulation requires access to safe, fibre-rich and organic enrichment materials. ITW and BUT also require additional enrichment materials.
Farm managers should update their knowledge of pig farming annually through further training. Among other options, an event organised by the Focus on Animal Welfare Network can be used for this purpose.
View the Network Focus Animal Welfare’s calendar of events
Animal health within the herd must be regularly documented and evaluated. This can be ensured, for example, by participating in the QS inspection system.
Information on the QS inspection system
A distinctive feature of the Animal Husbandry Conversion Support Programme is the ban on tail docking, meaning that at least 70% of pigs must have an intact, undocked long tail at the time of slaughter.
Animal Welfare Ordinance (Exception: farms with fewer than 10 sows) | ITW | Livestock Farming Conversion Support Programme | |
Roughage/enrichment material |
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| Daylight |
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| Training |
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| Herd management & documentation |
| Basic criteria:
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| Long-tailed | Animal Welfare Act: Tail docking is generally prohibited; however, exceptions apply if the procedure is essential in individual cases for the protection of the animal or other animals ⇒ Action plan to phase out tail docking |
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| Treatment |
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| Castration |
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| Membership |
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Conclusion
The requirements of the Animal Welfare in Livestock Farming Regulation and those of the Animal Welfare Initiative largely coincide. The Animal Welfare Initiative additionally calls for more space for sows in waiting pens, enrichment materials and management measures such as ventilation and drinking water checks, as well as regular training. In order to participate in the Livestock Housing Conversion Grant Scheme, significant investment in barn construction and management is required.
If you decide to convert your barn or build a new one, it is always helpful to consult an advisor to explore the financial and structural options.