Research Projects

Research Organisation Partners

• University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty
• University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty
• Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia
• Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia, Agriculture and Forestry Institute   Ptuj
• Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia, Agriculture and Forestry Institute Nova Gorica
• Perutnina Ptuj
• Veterinary Clinic Perutnina Ptuj

Abstract

The project titled “Standardization and Improvement of Animal Welfare for Sustainable Agriculture,” with the acronym “DOŽIVITRAJNO,” boasts diverse expertise from project collaborators and rich experiences of researchers involved in leading projects, fieldwork, and knowledge about Slovenian farms. The group brings together researchers and experts from academia, professional and advisory organizations from the field of agriculture, livestock production, food, and veterinary medicine. External collaborators, both domestic and foreign, will also contribute to the project. Structured into four thematic work packages, the project aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) programming period (2028–2035). Work Package 1 primarily involves reviewing legislation related to animal welfare in Slovenia and other countries, under the leadership of the Biotechnical Faculty. EU legislation on animal welfare primarily targets large, intensive farming systems, but it does not cover all categories of farm animals. The project will focus on specific species and categories that currently have only general welfare provisions. Slovenia has small farms, with tied farming still prevalent on most Slovenian cattle farms, despite the fact that they primarily raise animals on pasture. However, systematic management/monitoring of rearing conditions, including grazing technology, is lacking. Yet, one of the few weak points of grazing can be internal parasites, which pose a significant problem for grazing animals, especially small ruminants. We will review and analyze the collected data on parasites and prepare general guidelines for monitoring parasites in herds where grazing of cows, sheep, or goats occurs. Currently, coprological analyses are conducted on pooled samples of animals, which do not provide a realistic insight into the condition of individual animals. Within the project and Work Package 2, led by KGZ Ptuj, we will design guidelines to ensure minimum welfare standards and critically evaluate the current requirements for animal health interventions/measures focusing on grazing technology and the prevalence of parasite infections in cattle and sheep. Additionally, we will develop a set of basic requirements to ensure minimum standards and enhancements for the rearing of turkeys, pullets and laying hen breeders. These requirements will cover areas such as nutrition, physical environment, health, environmental enrichment, and animal handling. Currently, there is no specific legal framework for these poultry species and categories, except for general provisions that do not align with the biological needs of the animals. In the area of laying hen breeding, an extensive preventive program was introduced in 2021, including additional use of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and hepatoprotectors. Based on a detailed analysis of the health data for laying hens, we will outline guidelines for their welfare from a health point of view. Work Package 3, led by the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, will focus on the acquisition of new knowledge. Special attention will be paid to studying and updating animal welfare assessment protocols, researching grazing technologies for ruminants, floor feeding for chickens, and testing new technologies for turkeys. Work Package 4, led by KGZ Nova Gorica, will prepare a professional basis to determine Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) measures for the next programming period 2028–2035. This will be based on current EU legislation, examples from EU member states, the situation in Slovenia, planned directions, and project results. The work package will provide proposals for a systemic approach to traditional livestock farming, considering sustainability from environmental, socio-demographic, and economic perspectives. Additionally, the project team will assess the approximate investment needs for specific animal species or categories.

Researchers

• Manja Zupan Šemrov – 30765
• Angela Cividini – 22683
• Mojca Voljč – 29434
• Dušan Terčič – 14933
• Marija Klopčič – 8405
• Maja Prevolnik Povše – 27890
• Janko Skok – 29460
• Janez Posedi – 17556
• Irena Golinar Oven – 21229
• Andrej Toplak – 54037
• Pavla Plesničar – 52647
• Klavdija Kancler – 33043
• Gabrijela Salobir
• Alberta Zorko 
• Lea Vodopivec 
• Nina Žordani