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✍️ By: Team BC1.NL
A farrowing barn that mimics the natural habitat
At the pig farm ‘t Helder in Winterswijk, in the east of the Netherlands, there is a special farrowing barn. This barn was developed in collaboration with the Nürtingen University from Germany. In this animal-friendly barn, the natural habitat of pigs is simulated. As a result, the piglets can grow up in the most natural conditions possible.
What is different about this maternity barn?
At Nurtingen University in Germany, the animals were followed with video cameras for two years to see what their behaviour is, and the simulated shrubbery is the result. You might picture branches, but they are boxes with curtains in front, so the pigs can lie comfortably with their noses in the fresh air.
Why three climates in one barn?
So the animals can choose for themselves. The piglets' bed is the micro-climate and it is heated, so when it is cold they still have a warm spot. The big bed is the meso-climate, and the ambient temperature in the barn is the macro-climate. From their bed the piglets can run quickly to their mother.
Has this been done anywhere else?
It is the first barn of its kind in Europe. Visitors from China have already come to look at the concept, because it can be adapted to any climate.
What does organic farming mean here?
The farmer sums it up like this: 'with respect for the earth, the animals and people, you preserve your own living environment, for the future and for your children'.
Space and movement change the taste of the meat
The pigs are specially bred for meat consumption. Thanks to the space and freedom of movement provided, the meat has a delicious taste and an ideal meat-to-fat ratio.
The pigs choose inside or outside themselves
The pigs can choose whether they want to stay in the spacious pens with straw or prefer to be outside. Both indoors and outdoors, the Helder pigs can root around in the straw.
And not unimportant, the Helder pig from the Achterhoek region is allowed to grow for a longer period and is only slaughtered when it weighs at least 120 kg.
