Exploring Alternative Pig Housing Systems in Austria with the OneWelPig Project

From the 29th September to the 2nd October 2025, Neil Joseph Tirchett from Teagasc represented the WelFarmers project by joining a visit organised by the OneWelPig project from Ireland to Austria. The study visit aimed to explore and learn from innovative and alternative pig housing systems implemented across the country.

The group included representatives from University College Dublin (UCD), Animal Health Ireland (AHI), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Teagasc, and Irish pig farmers. Together, they visited a variety of farms featuring different housing systems, exploring innovative approaches designed to integrate welfare improvements while maintaining economic viability.

Throughout the visit, the group was guided by Dr. Christine Leeb from BOKU University, who provided valuable insights and translation support, facilitating engaging discussions with Austrian farmers. These exchanges offered an in-depth understanding of how pig producers in Austria are adapting their practices to meet animal welfare, environmental, and market expectations.

A key topic discussed during the visit was the recent amendment to Austria’s Animal Protection Act, which introduces a ban on the use of unstructured fully slatted pens for rearing piglets, fattening pigs, and breeding pigs by June 1, 2034. These legislative changes will result in the provision of up to 20% more space, increased enrichment materials, and the use of structured pens – pens that include dedicated areas for resting, activity, and toileting. This represents a major step in Austria’s transition from conventional housing systems to increased animal welfare standards for group housing, highlighting the country’s commitment to progressive welfare policies.

Additionally, from June 1, 2029, new requirements with regard to stocking density and the use of additional organic enrichment materials, like straw racks or hemp roped, will be applied Under these rules, the resting area must constitute at least one-third of the total pen space, further supporting welfare improvements in group housing systems.

The group also had the opportunity to observe free farrowing systems on breeder farms. From 2033, the permanent use of farrowing crates will be prohibited, allowing only temporary crating during the critical period to support piglet survival. The minimum size for farrowing pens in Austria will be 5.5 m², and all newly built pens must be approved under the national Animal Welfare Label. Some of the farms visited were also rearing pigs with undocked tails, as required by the marketing label they supply to, while others reported that with improved housing and enrichment, tail biting incidents were not common.

During the farm visits, Neil also took the opportunity to present the WelFarmers project, explaining its objectives and inviting Austrian farmers to share the Good Practices (GPs) they apply on their farms. This exchange supports the wider goal of fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge on sustainable and welfare-friendly pig production systems across Europe.

About the OneWelPig Project

The OneWelPig project applies a ‘One Welfare’ framework to the development of alternative high-welfare pig production systems in Ireland. Recognising the interconnectedness of animals, humans, and the environment, the project investigates how different systems perform in terms of animal welfare, environmental impact, and social outcomes, including worker satisfaction and community regeneration.

The research also examines the feasibility and sustainability of outdoor and agroforestry pig systems, models the environmental footprint of these systems, and identifies barriers and opportunities for transitioning towards One Welfare–aligned pig production. Ultimately, the project aims to support the Irish pig sector in adopting systems that are economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible.

This collaboration between OneWelPig and WelFarmers demonstrates the value of cross-country learning and exchange, strengthening the shared ambition to promote animal welfare and sustainability in European pig production.