Improvement of Animal welfare and Health using fermented herbs for rearing and finishing pigs

In the rearing and fattening of pigs, clinical problems, such as diarrhea or respiratory problems, but also behavioral disorders, such as tail or ear biting, can occur even with good management and well designed housing system. As a preventive measure to stabilize animal health, the addition of microorganisms, so-called "probiotics" is discussed as a "natural alternative" to antibiotic treatments. Within the framework of a prospective "multi-farm study" on three pig farms, it will be investigated (weaning to slaughter) whether these probiotics are effective in improving the following aspects of animal health (respiratory tract, diarrhea, microbiome), animal welfare (behavior, tail injuries) and productivity (feed conversion). At the same time, a qualitative survey as well as an exchange of experiences of the participating farmers will take place to ensure the transferability of the findings for practice