Inspiring pilot farms

Livestock guardian dogs are considered the most effective method of protecting livestock from attacks by large wild  carnivores and also owned and feral dogs. Livestock guardian dogs are mainly used to protect sheep, goats and poultry, but they can also work with any other type of livestock, including, for example, cows or horses. These dogs live with the herd or flock, protecting it from anything they perceive as a threat.

Through this project, we want to advise and support farmers on the management of livestock protection dogs to obtain the best possible results and avoid behavioral problems such as aggression towards people. The bond between the farmer and his / her dogs is key for the dogs to feel safe and carry out their work effectively. The involvement of the farmer with the education and care of the dogs is essential.

Project financed through the operation 01.02.01 of Technological Transfer of the Rural Development Program of Catalonia 2014-2020 and with the collaboration of the Rural Agents

The lack of cases of successful farms raising pigs with entire tail makes farmers, technicians, and veterinarians sceptical about implementing these measures on commercial farms.

In this section we describe the monitoring and experience of commercial farms that have taken the step of raising pigs with entire tails.

 Project financed through the operation 01.02.01 of Technological Transfer of the Rural Development Program of Catalonia 2014-2020

Pain management in disbudding by cauterization (hot iron) in calves.

 Disbudding in calves is a relatively routine practice, especially in dairy cattle farms. This is mainly because polled animals are easier to handle and dehorning decreases the risk of injury to both people and other animals. Although disbudding is justified, it is undeniably a painful practice during the procedure and the following days. 

There is a legislative, ethical and social pressure that further justifies the need for disbudding in calves using practices that are respectful for the welfare of cattle. This section aims to facilitate and solve some of the limitations that currently exist in farms for disbudding with high standards in animal welfare. 

Mas Castanyer (www.mascastanyer.cat), an organic farm of 1300 hens located at La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, decided to fight against constant attacks from predators to their hens with an innovative and sustainable method: introducing two young male alpacas to the range.

This practice-led innovation has been part of the Hennovation EU project (www.hennovation.eu). Ecogarrotxa and AlpacaTrax also collaborated with this project. 

The Rubirola brothers decided to undertake huge structural changes in the farrowing unit of Mas Vilallonga (www.gerfamrubirola.info) located at Riudellots de la Selva to improve the welfare of their sows. Conventional crates have been replaced by free-farrowing pens with temporary crating on slatted floors. Mas Vilallonga innovation has been possible thanks to the high motivation and engagement of several stakeholders of the pig sector: Rotecna, L’Ekip, Jyden, Agrener and FAWEC (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona).