Basic knowledge about the behaviour of pigs in a system that restricts them as little as possible is a prerequisite for the development of species-appropriate husbandry systems or species-appropriate feeding. This initial knowledge is often not available or incomplete. The project aims to close this knowledge gap and make the findings accessible to both the scientific community and the general public.
In an open-air area with forest and pasture areas, the natural behaviour and the species-specific needs of pigs are studied. During the project period of four years, a group of three sows is observed during farrowing and piglet rearing. In addition, a selection of rearing piglets will be integrated into research projects and observed until they are fattened. Research questions on natural behavioural, foraging, cognitive abilities and the behaviour of uncastrated male pigs are addressed. The focus lies on investigating the behaviour of pigs in a semi-natural habitat with natural social associations.
Project management research questions
