OUR VISION
"OUR GOAL IS A PRODUCT THAT IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE; GOOD FOR THE PIGS, GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, GOOD FOR THE PRODUCERS AND GOOD FOR THE CONSUMERS", SAYS OLIVER HESS, FOUNDER AND CEO.
It is our declared aim to give a dignified life to as many pigs as possible, both nationally and internationally.
Specifically, this means:
- We want to do good and be successful with it.
- We revolutionize the way pigs are treated.
- We ensure that pigs have a dignified, exciting, varied, and happy life.
- We ensure that pigs are treated with care and respect throughout their entire life in order to produce healthy, sustainableand legitimate food.
- We increase the value and thus the enjoyment of our pork.
- We solve the associated tasks along the entire value chain, together with our partners.
- We protect the environment and resources in the best possible way.
- We enable farmers to achieve better yields and greater job satisfaction.
- We work with the best partners for successful marketing of Wiesenschwein meat.
- We make pigs, farmers, meat processors, retailers, and consumers happy and proud.
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CONTROL SYSTEM / AUTOMATION
VERY SIMPLE ¬– THE GUIDANCE SYSTEM CAN BE CONTROLLED INTUITIVELY ON A TABLET.
The farmer defines the length of the working day on the Wiesenschwein control system, for example shorter days in winter, longer during the summer months. Based on these specifications, the control system calculates the free-range times for the different pig groups. The regulations of Wiesenschwein AG specify a minimum duration for the free run per pig group. It also provides that the pigs should be in the free runs for as long as possible. If delays occur, the control system automatically corrects and optimizes.
In addition to the animal management, the system will soon also organize the semi-automatized weighing of the slaughter pigs. While doing so, it also detects the animals’ health condition.
If problems occur, a notification is automatically sent to the farmer’s smartphone.
Netflix? Better: the Wiesenschwein app. Works on any tablet.
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MONITORING / IMAGE ALGORITHM
THE CAMERAS FILM ¬– AND THE PIGS ENJOY THEIR FREE RANGE AND LIVING SPACE.
The images are analyzed by a software, an image algorithm recognizes the pigs. The program can thus provide information at any time on the whereabouts of the pigs within their living space. The engineers at Wiesenschwein AG have developed these image algorithms and are constantly improving them. In combination with RFID UHF technology and scanners, the location of the pigs can be clearly determined.
Thanks to the redundancy of this data, maximum system safety is achieved. For example, the system does not open the lift gates for the next group until all the animals from the previous group are back in the barn. It must be ensured that the groups do not mix, otherwise rank fights between pigs of different groups may occur.
Only when image algorithms and scanners have detected that all the pigs from a group are back in the barn, the lift gates to the playground and meadow are opened for the next group.
Fully automatic, thanks to state-of-the-art technologies. For the benefit of animals and the environment.
Wiesenschwein pigs in the focus of image algorithms.
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LIFT GATES
THE SYSTEM CONTROLS THE AUTOMATIC OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE SPECIALLY DESIGNED LIFT GATES.
A central element in the Wiesenschwein system are the lifting gates. They control access to the playground and meadow. We have developed these lift gates in cooperation with a partner. They are now produced in series.
Smart gate¬ ¬– the specially developed gate opens automatically.
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RFID-UHF SCANNER / EAR TAGS
THE SIGNALS FROM THE RFID-UHF-EAR TAGS ARE THE "KEY" FOR THE SPECIALLY DEVELOPED LIFT GATES. SCANNERS SEND SIGNALS. THESE SIGNALS ARE SENT BACK FROM THE RFID-UHF-EAR TAGS. IN THIS WAY, THE ANIMALS CAN BE LOCATED – AND EVEN CLEARLY IDENTIFIED.
The scanners are placed above the lift gates; they detect the ear tags and are equipped with an algorithm developed by us: The scanners register the pigs’ movements; they detect whether a pig is moving from inside to outside or vice versa.
This ensures a complete documentation of the behavior and location of each individual Wiesenschwein pig. This information supports the system’s decision on the opening or closing the lift gates. It also allows to weigh the animals in a partially or fully automated way.
Thanks to this technology allowing unique identification of each Wiesenschwein pig, many more opportunities will occur that we will soon take advantage of.
Ear tag with RFID UHF chip.
Scanners from the “Sick” company detect the signals from the ear tags.
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THE BALCONY
THE PIGS HAVE PERMANENT ACCESS TO A BALCONY IN THE FRESH AIR.
The permanent run is designed for the Wiesenschwein pigs to stretch their legs and get some fresh air. Depending on the season and temperature, they like to do so.
The area of the balcony is calculated so that all the animals in a group can enter it at the same time. The formula for calculating the area corresponds to the specifications of common labels such as Bio Suisse and IP-Suisse. This means that any barn certified by one of these labels can in principle become a Wiesenschwein barn.
An example: For a group of 40 animals, each weighing 60 to 110 kilograms, the total area for the barn and balcony is 64 square meters.
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The stable automation
The barn automation uses the intelligence of the pigs - for this purpose, state-of-the-art technology such as, RFID-UHF, cameras/image algorithm, tablets and specially developed lift gates.
All components of the barn automation are networked and communicate with each other. This is controlled by software that we had developed especially for the meadow pigs. The software optimises that the pigs have as much time as possible in the open air.
To do this, the software collects information, makes decisions and gives commands; it calculates free-range times and optimises them. The programme also reacts independently to delays or unplanned interruptions.
In the pigsty, the pigs are grouped by age. Each group has two free-range levels at its disposal. Free-range level 1 is a playground, free-range level 2 is a meadow and forest area. Depending on the number of groups, there are several segments, i.e. playgrounds and pastures, which are operated in parallel. This guarantees the pigs sufficient free range, even on large farms.
For free-range according to free-range level 1, the gate between the balcony, i.e. the permanent run, and the playground is automatically opened for a group of pigs. The pigs jump outside and play, roam and run.
Free run level 2: If the weather permits, the second gate between the playground and the meadow and forest opens. The animals now have the entire area at their free disposal. Scanners attached to the gates constantly measure which animal is where.
As soon as the free-range period is over, a certain sequence of sounds is heard. This lets the pigs know: Now it’s time to go back to the barn and get some food. Each group is conditioned to a different tone sequence.
As soon as the control system receives the information that all the animals are back in the barn, the gates of this group close automatically and those of the next group open.
This is all possible thanks to image algorithms and scanners – and intelligent animals.
The lift gate to freewheel stage 1 opens automatically.
The group that has been conditioned to the tone sequence goes back to the stall independently.
The group that has been conditioned to a tone sequence leaves Free-Run Level 2 and goes back to the pen on its own.
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THE PLAYGROUND
WIESENSCHWEIN PIGS SHARE THEIR PLAYGROUND – WITH WALLOW AND POOL.
Alternately, the Wiesenschwein groups use this area, romping and playing here several times a day during their active phases. The playground is significantly larger than the balcony, it also allows access to the wallow. The soft ground allows real sprints and stunts. Toys are also available.
Thanks to the staggered use, the playground is always interesting. For sleeping and resting periods, which take up most of the pig’s day, the area of the barn and balcony is sufficient.
An example: for a group of 40 animals, each weighing more than 60 kilograms, the area of the playground is 85 square meters. This area corresponds to an additional space of about 1.3 times the area of the stall and balcony.
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SPECIES-APPROPRIATE FEED DISTRIBUTION
WIESENSCHWEIN PIGS EAT DIVERSIFIED.
- The nutritional requirements of the animals must be covered. For this purpose, ordinary feed for fattening pigs is used, which is exactly adapted to the energy requirements of the respective age group. This feed consists mostly of cereals. The protein requirement is covered with European soy.
- The feed is supplemented with additives, such as herbs and seeds for example. On the one hand, these additives are healthy for the pigs. On the other hand, they lead to optimal meat quality and taste. The meat is very tender and contains many omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- The feed intake corresponds to the natural eating behavior. Energy-rich mash is supplemented with fiber-rich additives: hay, grass, corn cubes and twigs. This ensures that the pigs strengthen their chewing apparatus. In addition, they are particularly busy eating for a long time – pigs love that.
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Wiesenschweine on "foraging".
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PLAY
PIGS HAVE A STRONG URGE TO PLAY. THEY ALWAYS COME UP WITH SOMETHING, FOR SURE. JUST FOR FUN, OUT OF CURIOSITY OR AS A SOCIAL INTERACTION.
There are actually pigs who learn to elegantly kick a ball forward with their legs. Real little football players they are. Others rather try to bite the ball. Or to lie on it and roll over it. The main thing is to play – this seems to be their motto. And all kinds of things are suitable for playing. Anything that can be moved is particularly good.
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Wiesenschwein pigs at play – it's always fun to watch.
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