Farmers are constantly criticised for losing sight of animal welfare and only striving for economic success. Often, however, it is precisely that which serves the welfare of the animals which also benefits the agricultural yield. An interdisciplinary research group at the University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg led by agronomist Sandra Rose-Meierhöfer now plans to investigate this connection.

As part of the Tiwoli project, the researchers identify and implement measures to increase animal welfare on dairy farms using state-of-the-art measuring instruments and advanced data collection methods. Based on the results, a generally applicable guideline will be developed. This guideline is intended to help farmers to design their farms in such a way that they meet the requirements for animal-friendly husbandry while, at the same time, ensuring their own profitability.

Initially, 30 dairy farms of various sizes are be selected for the project. In order to determine the health of the dairy cows, numerous observation and measurement data will be collected on the farms, ranging from the soiling of the limbs and the microbial growth on the udders through to the design of the cubicles, the climate in the stables and the size of the herd. At the same time, the research team will survey the economic situation of dairy farms and collect relevant farm data. In addition, the legal framework conditions for animal husbandry in Germany will be analysed in order to deduce scope for action.

On this basis, practical recommendations will then be developed as to which adjustments in animal husbandry can serve to increase animal welfare and production yields. In addition, a model stall will be set up in which the study results can be reviewed, and the knowledge gained can be put into practice in an ideal way.

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is supporting the research project with about 378,000 euros within the framework of FHprofUnt as part of the „Research at Universities of Applied Sciences” programme.