2021 OptiChicken

Poultry farming in mobile houses has expanded considerably over the last ten years. This form of husbandry has been recognized in the agricultural and farming sector, as well as by consumers, particularly with regard to the greater realization of animal welfare. Nevertheless, there are some problems.

- Based on a given central stable area, the connected runs are usually only used by the animals in the vicinity of the stable. This leads to a disproportionately high nutrient input in these areas. This increases the contamination of these areas with pathogens of all kinds. The result is a strong and permanent pressure of infection. Animal health and animal welfare suffer from this situation. This situation is also unacceptable for water management reasons and with regard to the fundamental consideration and evaluation of nutrient flows.

- At greater distances from the barn, on the other hand, the runs often remain unused and unattractive for the animals. The main reason for this is thought to be the danger of predators. The efficiency of pasture use is also a factor to be considered in this context. These problems are to be solved by means of an innovative stable concept and integrated grazing concept. The stable concept to be developed provides for a stable area in the center of a circular facility. A mobile exercise area with design and service elements (feeding, drinking trough, predator protection) will be installed around this, which can be periodically moved around the center with little effort. The project aims to further develop and improve mobile housing systems that work in principle, taking into account the problems outlined above. The aim is to create a practical system that is clearly on the way to market maturity and can be taken up by appropriate designers and market partners.

Responsible: Boris Kulig

Funding: Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE)