Enhances animal welfare across 209 farms in Thuringia - In Thuringia, animal welfare is prioritized at 209 livestock farms, with land actively working to improve conditions for farm animals.
In a recent development, the Thuringian Ministry of Agriculture has announced an increase in funding for businesses that prioritise species-appropriate and climate-friendly animal husbandry. This year, 209 companies that keep pigs, cattle, or endangered native breeds have received a total of 6.3 million euros in funding.
The funding, which is part of a broader commitment to animal welfare and biodiversity conservation in Germany, aims to relieve businesses of the associated additional costs, improve the keeping conditions of farm animals, and support the preservation of endangered native breeds.
Among the endangered native breeds that have benefited from this funding are the Thuringian Waldziege and the Rotes Höhenvieh. Around 258,000 euros were awarded to 88 businesses that keep endangered native breeds, while around 2.8 million euros of the funds distributed went to 50 pig keeping operations.
The companies receiving funding have to meet animal welfare standards that go beyond legal requirements. The improvements include extended space and better outdoor and cooling options. However, the specifics of Thuringia’s animal welfare funding programmes and their direct effects on farm animal welfare, climate-friendliness, or the preservation of endangered breeds remain somewhat unspecified.
In cattle farming, 71 businesses received funding of around 437,000 euros. This is a 12-business increase compared to 2024. In pig farming, 44 businesses were supported in 2024, compared to 50 in the current year.
While there is no new information about the aim of the funding, animal welfare standards, improved keeping conditions, species-appropriate and climate-friendly animal husbandry, or the relief of businesses from associated additional costs, typical goals for such funding in Germany (and Europe more broadly) include enhancing housing, space allowances, enrichment, and reduced stress for pigs, cattle, and other livestock, supporting native breeds, encouraging climate-friendly practices, and reducing disease, injury, and mortality through better husbandry, veterinary care, and monitoring.
For precise information, official publications from Thuringia’s agricultural ministry or detailed case studies would be required. However, the broader German context suggests a strong emphasis on both animal welfare and biodiversity conservation, with funding likely aimed at improving husbandry conditions, supporting native breeds, and promoting climate-friendly practices—even if the exact mechanisms in Thuringia remain unspecified here.
The funding provided by the Thuringian Ministry of Agriculture, part of a health-and-wellness commitment, extends to businesses adhering to species-appropriate and climate-friendly animal husbandry. This includes the improvement of health conditions for farm animals like pigs, cattle, and endangered native breeds, such as the Thuringian Waldziege and the Rotes Höhenvieh.
In light of scientific advancements in the field of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, this funding aims to promote healthier living for both animals and the environment, as well as contributing to the preservation of endangered native breeds.
