WP2. On-farm management strategies: Effectiveness of immunization, health and welfare

Lead UHOH (University of Hohenheim)

The effectiveness of immunocastration (IC) under varying housing conditions and the effect of management on animal welfare and health will be assessed in an experimental approach with entire males (EM), IC and surgical castrates (SC). In addition, environmental influences on behavior and immunological parameters will be analyzed. Different space allowance and different levels of stress (mixing of animals) will be tested, trying to identify physiological backgrounds of non-responders. Effectiveness of IC in boars eliminated after performance testing and breeding will also be addressed.