Sustainable Livestock Husbandry and Animal Health Management
Head of the chair: Prof. Dr. med. vet. Markus Freick
About us
The Chair of Sustainable Livestock Husbandry and Animal Health Management at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is dedicated to the development of husbandry systems for farm animals by scientific and practice-oriented approaches. Our work focuses on animal health, animal welfare, environmental compatibility, and the economic viability of modern animal husbandry.
Our research follows an interdisciplinary approach that combines biological, veterinary, agricultural, and social aspects. The goal is to develop innovative strategies that enable sustainable animal production – both with regard to climate protection and resource conservation, and society's expectations for ethically responsible animal husbandry.
Within our agricultural science degree program, we offer practice-oriented teaching based on the latest research. At the same time, we maintain close collaborations with farms, authorities, and partners from research and practice to translate scientific findings into practical applications.
Our team is committed to inspire young people about the challenges and opportunities of livestock farming in the future and to contribute actively to the development of a sustainable agricultural sector.
News
Hands-on training for students at the LLG Iden: Insights into practical livestock farming
As part of the mandatory module "Introduction to Animal Science – Sub-module: Animal Husbandry and Hygiene," a three-day seminar on livestock farming (September 22-24, 2025) was held for second-semester agricultural science students at the Center for Animal Husbandry and Technology in Iden. Experts from the State Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture provided insights into the pig, cattle, and sheep farming practices at the training and research facility. Topics included comparisons of different husbandry systems, animal assessment, artificial insemination, animal handling, and milk production. The practical training sessions gave students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge directly to real animals and in modern farming systems. This allowed them to acquire important skills for their future careers and gain practical experience with typical tasks in livestock farming. Through direct instruction by experts, the students also gained valuable insights into current issues in animal husbandry and hygiene, thus strengthening the link between university knowledge and agricultural practice.
Our pigeons arrived
In the past, almost every farm had a dovecote to enrich the menu with pigeon meat. Recently, pigeons have also been allowed to be kept at the research station in Merbitz/Naundorf. We initially chose Hubbel pigeons, named after their breeder, Dr. G. M. Hubbel, which are classified as king pigeons. Hubbel pigeons have a full, meaty chest and are therefore very well suited as fattening pigeons. Although fattening pigeons currently play no role in commercial livestock farming in Germany, they are kept privately and on organic farms as a source of meat. Pigeon meat is – low in cholesterol and fat – very digestible and healthy. For this reason alone, a revival in German cuisine would be worthwhile.
Field trip to Eichigt farm: Students gain practical insights into organic livestock farming
As part of the elective module "Livestock Farming in Organic Agriculture and Applied Animal Welfare," Agricultural Sciences students in their 4th and 6th semesters undertook a field trip to Eichigt farm in the Vogtland region. The trip was supported by the "Network Focus on Animal Welfare" project. On-site, participants gained fascinating insights into organic dairy farming on an innovatively managed organic farm. This visit offered the opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with agricultural practice and to discuss current challenges and solutions in the areas of animal welfare, husbandry practices, and farm management. A particular focus had been on cow-calf rearing and seasonal pasture-based farming - both central, yet challenging, elements of organic dairy farming. Foster-based rearing, in which calves have extended contact with foster cows, places high demands on management but also offers potential for animal welfare and social acceptance. Pasture-based rearing, which is mandatory in organic farming, also requires careful planning regarding animal health, feed availability, and weather conditions - especially in larger herd structures like those at Hofgut Eichigt.
Master's students visit the Kitzingen Poultry Research Station
As part of the "Current Aspects of Poultry Research" module, master's students in agricultural sciences visited the Poultry Research and Education Center at the Kitzingen State Farm on June 3, 2025. The facility, run by the Bavarian State Farms (BaySG), in cooperation with the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, is one of the leading centers for practical research and training in the poultry industry.
The on-site excursion was led by Dr. Philipp Hofmann, the scientific director of the Poultry Research Group at the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture (LfL). Dr. Hofmann's knowledgeable and engaging tour not only offered participants in-depth insights into ongoing research projects but also a vivid presentation of current developments and challenges in poultry farming. The center combines applied research, performance testing, and educational offerings under one roof.
Research projects on optimizing pullet rearing to extend the useful life of laying hens, the use of alfalfa products in organic poultry feed, and the evaluation of housing levels for fattening turkeys were presented, and the animal populations were inspected firsthand. During the tour of the experimental station, the students gained insights into the housing and research of fattening turkeys, broilers, pullets and laying hens, broiler breeders, laying quails, ducks, geese, and the station's own hatchery.