Der Bauernwohlstall: Perspektiven sowie psychische und physische Auswirkungen auf Landwirte eines tierwohlorientierten Schweinemastbetriebs in Oberösterreich

  • Elisabeth Muckenhuber

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

The main motivation for writing this thesis lies in the increasing importance of higher animal welfare standards on pig farms and the associated effects on the health and well-being of farmers. In many professional fields, the concepts of work-life balance and employee wellbeing are essential, but in the agricultural sector this idea is usually far removed from reality. Ultimately, the aim is to find out whether the switch to higher animal welfare standards in pig fattening results in decisive changes to the health and well-being of farmers and whether animal welfare also could lead to “farmer welfare” in practice. This thesis is divided into five main chapters, which build on each other. First, the theoretical foundations provide an insight into pig production, husbandry regulations and the basic needs of livestock. The concept of animal welfare is then explained, and at the end of this chapter, the focus is shifted to the health of the farmer. The next chapters describe factors that influence the mental and physical condition of affected farmers. This is followed by the empirical study based on the methodology of qualitative expert interviews and finally the results obtained are analysed and summarized in a discussion. The results of this research show that the transition to higher animal welfare standards in pig farms can cause both psychological and physical changes in farmers. However, the state of health depends very much on internal and external factors, and it does not matter whether these have a positive or negative effect on those affected. However, the positive influences outweigh the negative ones, such as the joy of the improved husbandry conditions and the increased quality of life for the animals, as well as the recognition from society. The increased workload is seen by most farm managers as a necessary component of better husbandry conditions and is therefore accepted. Most operators of animal welfare stables have a consistently positive view of the future, which is nevertheless perceived by so many as very uncertain.
Date of Award2024
Original languageGerman (Austria)
SupervisorMichael Duspiwa (Supervisor)

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