Tail biting affects the health and welfare of pigs, the quality of pig carcasses, and the profitability of production in both weaner and finishing pig production. There are specific quality criteria for weaned pigs, and tail damage can lead to a reductions in the purchase price of weaner pigs as well as to carcass rejections at the slaughterhouse. Although this issue is important, research has paid little attention to tail biting in weaner pig production. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of various motivational factors and economic incentives on the management of tail biting on Finnish pig farms and to assess the costs of tail biting in weaner pig production. The data were collected by interviewing representatives of 15 farms producing finishing pigs and 10 farms producing weaner pigs during 2021–2022. The interviews covered risk factors for tail biting and the factors that most motivated producers to reduce the occurrence of tail biting. Additionally, using a calculation model, the economic significance of tail biting in nurseries was assessed. The interviewed farmers were very or fairly motivated to address tail biting when they observed it on their own farms. Half of the representatives from farms producing weaner pigs found that the management measures were laborious to implement. The economic incentives that most motivated farmers producing weaner pigs to address tail biting were obtaining a better price for intact-tailed (undocked tails with no tail lesions) pigs and financial support for measures to manage tail biting. Representatives of finishing farms were most motivated by the decrease in carcass condemnations and increase in meat prices. The results suggest that the desire to produce healthy pig with high welfare also motivated Finnish farmers. According to the calculation model and a hypothetical scenario, tail biting in weaner pig production can cause a loss of up to approximately €32 per bitten pig in Finland, taking into account possible effects during the finishing phase, reduced growth, treatment of the tail-damaged pig, and various income losses and additional costs. As the consequences of tail biting can be substantial, it is important that farmers are informed about the potential financial losses and impairment of animal welfare in the event of tail biting occurrence as well as possible means to mitigate and prevent tail biting.

The aim of this study was to examine cellular agriculture-based value chains in Finland with two specific objectives: 1) to estimate the potential of selected Finnish agri-food industry side streams and agri-biomasses as the source of carbon for microbial protein production and 2) to identify the barriers and enabling factors related to four cellular agriculture-based value chains based on the Finnish feedstocks sources for fermentation. By evaluating the carbohydrate content of 13 plant-based biomass streams (molasses, brewers spent grain, distillers spent grain, sugar beet stalk, sugar beet pulp, oat husk, wheat bran, rapeseed cake, potato cell juice, potato peels and residues, potato tops, straw, surplus grass) as a sugar source for fermentation, the total microbial protein production potential was calculated annually at ca. 290 000 and 360 000 tons for precision and biomass fermentation, respectively. Among the agricultural and food industry streams, straw and oat husk biomass could theoretically supply feedstock for 211 000 and 22 000 tons of protein per year by biomass fermentation, respectively. This is a substantial amount, e.g. when considering 120 000 tons of protein needed annual by Finnish population. The qualitative part of the study elaborated barriers and opportunities of the biotechnology-based production processes using four value chain concepts with distinct feedstock source (grass, bran/husk, sawdust and greenhouse residues) as case examples. The qualitative analysis concluded that, in addition to bioprocess development for reducing production costs, key factors for ensuring well-functioning cellular agriculture business models include resolving agricultural feedstock pre-processing and logistics, optimized facility location, and access to renewable energy.

This study aims to explore public acceptance of methane-reducing feed additives in the dairy sector and to examine how information influences public acceptance of these novel feeding strategies. The research focuses on European citizens' responses to 3 methane-mitigating feed additives: (1) algae or seaweed extracts, (2) plant-based oils or fats, and (3) a chemical feed additive, specifically the 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP). A survey of 3,220 participants from 4 European Union member states (Finland, France, Poland, and Ireland) provides the data for this analysis. The results reveal significant differences in public acceptance, with natural additives receiving higher levels of support compared with chemical alternatives. Furthermore, the provision of additional information was found to negatively affect the acceptance of natural feed additives, whereas it improved support for the use of the chemical feed additive. Cluster analysis further revealed that these information effects were not uniform across the population. Negative reactions to additional information on algae or plant-based oils were concentrated among segments with strong animal-welfare concerns or high conscientious consumption preferences, whereas other groups showed little change. By contrast, for chemical additives, additional information increased acceptance across most attitudinal clusters. These findings suggest that public resistance to chemically derived additives such as 3-NOP may pose a barrier to their implementation. Information campaigns, if not carefully framed, could inadvertently reduce acceptance, highlighting the need for differentiated policy and communication strategies tailored both to the type of additive and to the specific consumer clusters most sensitive to information framing when promoting methane mitigation in the dairy sector.

The livestock sector generates large volumes of data; however, these data remain underutilized. The Data Governance Act, the Data Act of the EU, and recent technological advances, provide an opportunity to automate and improve collection, integration, and use of livestock data. Data spaces, as secure and interoperable environments for data sharing, offer a promising framework to support this transformation. However, this can only be achieved by removing implementation barriers to data sharing and new data generating technologies. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of key digitalization barriers and gaps in livestock sector. We synthesized existing knowledge across five topics: 1) interoperability, 2) economic viability, 3) technical skills, 4) data privacy and security, and 5) data robustness and quality. Finally, a narrative on how these gaps could be bridged was provided. We argue that bridging these gaps requires a holistic approach combining training, trust building, data governance, and collaboration. EU-level initiatives and projects address some of these areas, but better coordination is needed to maximize impact. The Data Act provides a regulatory foundation for data sharing, yet its limitations, such as its horizontal nature, narrowly defined or unclear terms and exclusion of insights derived from product and related service data, leave critical gaps and may lead to legal disputes. To overcome persistent data lock-in, proactive negotiation, public APIs, and an update on a voluntary industry code of conduct to align with the Data Act are essential for fostering transparency and accelerating adoption of digital solutions.

Grain legumes play an important role in smallholder farming systems by providing plant-based protein, improving soil fertility through symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and enhancing cropping systems. However, limited access to high-quality seed remains a major constraint to legume productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the potential of semi-formal seed multiplication through the QDS (Quality Declared Seed) system for two important grain legumes, groundnut and cowpea, in Zambia Eastern Province. Seed multiplication was implemented across three districts and seven chiefdoms through a cooperative-based farmer network. Seeds of improved groundnut and cowpea varieties were distributed to over 1,200 smallholder farmers, and seed production outcomes were evaluated across locations. Results showed significant variation in seed production across studied sites and crop species, while gender had no significant effect on production. Our results demonstrate that semi-formal seed multiplication through farmer networks can substantially increase the local availability of improved legume seeds. Integrating seed systems with good agronomy practices and formal seed supply chains will be critical to improving productivity, food security, and resilience in smallholder farming systems in Africa.

Societal Impact Statement Legume plants offer generous benefits for both the planet and people by supporting sustainable farming, food and feed systems through their ability to symbiotically fix atmospheric nitrogen. While grain legumes are cultivated and consumed globally, their adoption, market development, and integration into cropping systems vary. In Zambia, pigeonpea remains an underutilised legume crop despite its suitability for semiarid conditions and potential to diversify food and income sources. We implemented farmer field schools in the Eastern province of Zambia to introduce pigeonpea, strengthen farmer knowledge, and explore how participatory learning can support its adoption and early-stage value chain development.Summary Farmer field schools (FFSs) are transformative, participatory approaches to adult agricultural education that effectively promote farmers' learning and capacity building and empower farming communities with practical knowledge. Here, we present a case study of FFSs in the Katete district, Eastern province of Zambia, focused on good pigeonpea agronomic practices and the value chain. Three FFSs were established, focusing on pigeonpea variety trials, biological pesticides, and a pigeonpea-specific rhizobial inoculant development and testing. Farmers received hands-on training and resources and were guided through community-led trials. Extreme weather conditions, free-grazing livestock, an underdeveloped pigeonpea seed value chain, and a poor seed system hindered the implementation of the FFSs. Despite the challenges encountered, we successfully designed and tested pigeonpea-specific rhizobial inoculants, trained farmers in good agronomic practices such as biological pest control, and provided access to seed of improved pigeonpea varieties. To strengthen the pigeonpea seed value chain, a seed dehuller is now available to farmers. Pigeonpea FFSs will support crop and food diversification, improve soil fertility and sustainable agriculture, and may increase household income.

Farmer field schools (FFSs) are transformative, participatory approaches to adult agricultural education that effectively promote farmers’ learning and capacity building and empower farming communities with practical knowledge. Here, we present a case study of FFS in the Katete district, Eastern province of Zambia, focused on good pigeon pea agronomic practices and the value chain. Three FFSs were established, focusing on a variety of trials, bio-pesticides, and a pigeon pea-specific rhizobial inoculant. Extreme weather conditions, an underdeveloped pigeon pea seed value chain, and a poor seed system hindered the implementation of the FFSs. To strengthen the pigeon pea seed value chain, a seed dehuller is now available to farmers. Our results highlight the importance of the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the FFSs. Pigeon pea FFSs will support crop and food diversification, improve soil fertility and sustainable agriculture, and may increase household income. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. European Commission under the DeSIRA initiative, FOOD/2021/429-351

Although many websites provide biosecurity information, there is no structured guidance on what constitutes an effective biosecurity website. This study aimed to understand what is a good biosecurity website for farmers and veterinarians, and to what extent different websites meet the proposed good features. The study included three steps: i) A World Café activity was conducted to identify the features of a "good" biosecurity website. ii) A sample of biosecurity websites was identified through an online survey and generative artificial intelligence and then screened by researchers. iii) The main improvement needs of biosecurity websites were detected by comparing the screened websites with the features of a "good" biosecurity website. Based on the World Café, the features of a good biosecurity website targeted to farmers were ease of use, cost-free access, availability in local languages and content including, for example, biosecurity lessons with media, examples of farm practices, biosecurity guidelines, self-evaluation tests of person's knowledge and farm's biosecurity level, and news about disease outbreaks and regulations. A good website for veterinarians should contain more detailed protocols, guidelines and tools than a website for farmers, and resources for creating biosecurity plans and enhancing veterinarian-farmer communication. The depth and breadth of information available on the screened websites varied. Most websites had a limited number of "good" features present. The comparison step suggested that the greatest improvement potential among the websites was in adding information on how to communicate about biosecurity, biosecurity's costs and benefits, self-evaluation tests, and videos and illustrations about biosecurity measures.

This paper explores the relationship between animal welfare and economic outcomes in agriculture, focusing on whether improvements in animal welfare translate into better farm performance. Specifically, it examines a composite animal welfare index integrating multiple animal-based indicators and its association with milk revenue among Finnish dairy farms over the period 2010-2017. Utilizing multiple econometric approaches, including cross-sectional and panel data regressions, the study reveals a complex and heterogeneous relationship. While a negative association between poorer welfare and milk revenue is evident in cross-sectional estimations, this relationship weakens and generally loses statistical significance once farm-specific fixed effects are included, indicating that much of the association reflects structural or management differences rather than a direct causal effect. The findings underscore the importance of distinguishing correlation from causation when designing and interpreting animal welfare-related policies. Beyond policy relevance, the paper contributes to the limited empirical evidence on causal linkages between animal welfare and farm economic performance.

Livestock farm biosecurity is crucial for animal health and economic sustainability, however uneven adoption/implementation across diverse livestock species and production systems persists. To improve uptake of biosecurity, it is necessary to identify critical economic behavioural, and systematic barriers, and to outline practical drivers. Perceived high costs, labour/time burdens, and uncertain benefits can suppress private investment, while poorly designed indemnities can create moral hazard. Conversely, targeted subsidies, risk-based insurance, and market standards (e.g., certification and procurement) can incentivise implementation. Knowledge and trust gaps, especially in smallholder and backyard settings, further limit compliance. Participatory, and context-specific training led by field veterinarians consistently outperforms top–down messaging, with effective element including: simple, low-cost “easy wins”, tiered checklists, and decision-support tools to help embed routines and demonstrate the value of biosecurity. Integrating clear cost–benefit evidence, incentive-based tools, and co-designed training can transform biosecurity from a perceived practical and cost burden into a resilient, profitable practice that delivers public-good benefits for animal health, trade, and One Health across Europe and beyond.

This study offers valuable insights into farmers' perspectives on the use of feed additives (3-NOP) in reducing methane emissions, and highlights associated obstacles that may prevent the accelerated uptake of GHG mitigation measures. Our data originate from a survey of 239 Finnish dairy farmers. While most farmers acknowledge the importance of climate issues, only a small percentage consider the reduction of the environmental impact of milk production to be the responsibility of the producer. Still, the farmers would prefer to decide for themselves how to reduce emissions, which demonstrates that resistance toward external directives might exist. In addition, there is a discrepancy between economically viable and environmentally responsible management, and this makes farmers more preoccupied with profitability. Furthermore, most farmers consider the feed additives to be safe. However, their efficiency in emission reduction remains unclear to many which contributes to hesitation in adoption. Thus, improved communication and education towards sustainable practices is needed. Strengthening dialogue among researchers, advisors, policymakers and farmers can help clarify the environmental purpose of feed additives and address uncertainties about their effectiveness and safety. Targeted educational efforts should focus on practical, science-based methods for methane reduction and build confidence through transparent information and real-life examples. Cette & eacute;tude donne un & eacute;clairage pr & eacute;cieux sur le point de vue des agriculteurs sur l'utilisation d'additifs alimentaires (3-NOP) pour r & eacute;duire les & eacute;missions de m & eacute;thane et met en & eacute;vidence les obstacles qui pourraient freiner l'adoption acc & eacute;l & eacute;r & eacute;e de mesures d'att & eacute;nuation des gaz & agrave; effet de serre (GES). Nos donn & eacute;es proviennent d'une enqu & ecirc;te men & eacute;e aupr & egrave;s de 239 producteurs laitiers finlandais. Si la plupart d'entre eux reconnaissent l'importance des enjeux climatiques, seul un faible pourcentage consid & egrave;re que la r & eacute;duction de l'impact environnemental de la production laiti & egrave;re rel & egrave;ve de la responsabilit & eacute; du producteur. Quoi qu'il en soit, les agriculteurs pr & eacute;f & eacute;reraient d & eacute;cider eux-m & ecirc;mes de la mani & egrave;re de r & eacute;duire leurs & eacute;missions, ce qui d & eacute;montre une possible r & eacute;sistance aux directives externes. De plus, il existe un d & eacute;calage entre une gestion & eacute;conomiquement viable et une gestion & eacute;cologiquement responsable, ce qui accentue les pr & eacute;occupations des agriculteurs en mati & egrave;re de rentabilit & eacute;. En outre, la plupart des agriculteurs consid & egrave;rent les additifs alimentaires comme s & ucirc;rs. Cependant, leur efficacit & eacute; en mati & egrave;re de r & eacute;duction des & eacute;missions reste floue pour beaucoup, ce qui contribue & agrave; rendre les agriculteurs h & eacute;sitants & agrave; les adopter. Il est donc n & eacute;cessaire d'am & eacute;liorer la communication et la sensibilisation aux pratiques durables. Renforcer le dialogue entre chercheurs, conseillers, d & eacute;cideurs de l'action publique et agriculteurs peut contribuer & agrave; clarifier l'objectif environnemental des additifs alimentaires et & agrave; lever les incertitudes quant & agrave; leur efficacit & eacute; et leur s & eacute;curit & eacute;. Les efforts & eacute;ducatifs cibl & eacute;s devraient se concentrer sur des m & eacute;thodes pratiques et scientifiques de r & eacute;duction des & eacute;missions de m & eacute;thane et renforcer la confiance gr & acirc;ce & agrave; des informations transparentes et des exemples concrets. Die Studie liefert wertvolle Einblicke in die Ansichten der Landwirtinnen und Landwirte & uuml;ber den Einsatz von Futtermittelzusatzstoffen (3-NOP) zur Reduzierung von Methanemissionen. Au ss erdem zeigt sie die damit verbundenen Hindernisse auf, die einer schnelleren Einf & uuml;hrung von Ma ss nahmen zur Reduzierung von Treibhausgasemissionen im Wege stehen k & ouml;nnten. Die Daten stammen aus einer Umfrage unter 239 finnischen Milchviehbetrieben. Zwar erkennen die meisten Betriebe die Bedeutung von Klimafragen an, doch nur ein kleiner Prozentsatz ist der Ansicht, dass die Verringerung der Umweltauswirkungen der Milchproduktion in der Verantwortung der Erzeugenden liegt. Dennoch w & uuml;rden sie es vorziehen, selbst zu entscheiden, wie sie die Emissionen reduzieren wollen. Dies zeigt, dass es m & ouml;glicherweise Widerstand gegen externe Richtlinien gibt. Au ss erdem besteht eine Diskrepanz zwischen einer wirtschaftlich rentablen und einer umweltvertr & auml;glichen Bewirtschaftung. Das f & uuml;hrt dazu, dass sich die Betriebsleitenden mehr mit der Rentabilit & auml;t befassen. Die meisten Betriebsleitenden halten die Futtermittelzusatzstoffe au ss erdem f & uuml;r sicher. Ihre Effizienz bei der Emissionsreduzierung bleibt jedoch f & uuml;r viele unklar, weshalb sie nur z & ouml;gerlich eingesetzt werden. Daher sind eine bessere Kommunikation und Aufkl & auml;rung & uuml;ber nachhaltige Praktiken erforderlich. Ein verst & auml;rkter Dialog zwischen Forschung, Beratung, Politik und Betrieben kann dazu beitragen, den & ouml;kologischen Nutzen von Futtermittelzusatzstoffen zu kl & auml;ren und Bedenken hinsichtlich ihrer Wirksamkeit auszur & auml;umen.Gezielte Aufkl & auml;rungsma ss nahmen sollten sich auf praktische, wissenschaftlich fundierte Methoden zur Methanreduzierung konzentrieren und durch transparente Informationen und Beispiele aus der Praxis Vertrauen schaffen.

Effective biosecurity training is essential for disease prevention in livestock systems; however, substantial gaps persist. We combined an online survey (74 fully completed questionnaires; 267 views) with two World Caf & eacute; workshops (similar to 60 participants) to map the current provision, competence levels, and training needs across Europe. Key findings: (i) self-rated biosecurity knowledge differed markedly between stakeholder groups and veterinarians and other stakeholders reported median scores close to 80/100; (ii) more than three-quarters of cattle (77 %) and 70 % of swine veterinarians perceived a major gap in their ability to demonstrate the economic benefits of biosecurity to clients; (iii) 39 - 44 % of cattle and smallruminant veterinarians reported inadequate mixed (theory + practice) training formats, and up to 50 % of poultry veterinarians identified deficits in communication and behavior-change skills; (iv) across all discussions, participants favored modular, blended delivery that couples concise e-learning with onfarm coaching, supported by externally audited certification and greater farmer co-design. Therefore, recommendations focus on developing species-specific, flexible modules that embed communication and cost-benefit elements, provide micro-learning units for time-constrained farmers, and operate within a tiered certification framework linked to continuing professional development. Implementing these measures will narrow competence gaps, strengthen veterinarian-farmer engagement, and enhance disease preparedness throughout European livestock production.

The European Union Animal Health Law (2016/429) emphasizes disease prevention, underpinned by livestock biosecurity, surveillance, and traceability, as key aspects to minimize the risk of animal diseases. An important element of biosecurity is the training of key actors involved in implementing it. However, their needs and expectations regarding this training are poorly known. Under the COST action BETTER (CA20103), a World Café was organized to identify the needs and expectations of biosecurity training for farmers, veterinary practitioners, veterinary students, and other actors. A total of 78 participants distributed in four groups participated in the World Café. Needs and expectations were identified and ranked in decreasing order of importance. For farmers, the most important aspects were training focusing on practical aspects, the planning of training sessions in the day to accommodate workload, the need to prepare multiple reminders of upcoming training, and the short duration of events. For veterinary practitioners, it was considered that a mixed approach, including a theoretical and a practical part where people are invited to create a biosecurity plan and a follow-up report, were the most important features of training. For veterinary students, creating a good knowledge of the main principles of biosecurity was found as an essential element of training. Regarding other actors, gaining an understanding in the spread of pathogens and the repercussions on the cost of animal products that diseases might have (consumers), training on good/best practices of cleaning and disinfection and the development of clear protocols (transporters), and a mixture of formal and informal training and training on communication skills (other actors) were considered important. The World Café was a useful method to have a first identification, discussion, and differentiation on livestock biosecurity training needs and expectations of the key actors, although additional follow-up research involving more participants from more diverse countries with different coverage of cultures and education would be beneficial. These needs and expectations are relevant and should be considered when designing new training courses.

The restructuring of dairy farm production has resulted in enlarged unit sizes and production capacities on commercial farms in Finland. Concurrently, the livestock sector is facing high expectations and pressure to enhance farm animal welfare. Many dairy farms have invested in state-of-the-art technology, e.g. the proportion of milk milked by robots had risen 41% by 2019. Using a survey framework based on the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), our aim was to explore which factors may limit farmers’ willingness to adopt animal welfare-enhancing solutions. The decision to adopt a technology can be seen as a holistic issue that is affected by farmer attitudes, farm-specific constraints, and information provided by trusted sources. The financial situation of farms, appropriate technological devices, animal welfare, and human well-being should all be considered holistically. We utilize our exploratory survey sample as an indicator for discussing the current situation. The most critical constraints were related to financial issues, farmers’ personal coping challenges, and device operation problems in the barn environment. To promote the adoption of new technologies, farmers require technical and other support from trusted groups and evidence on the functionality of the technology. The insights from this exploratory study highlight the importance of available resources; the most important deficiencies related to available resources were financial and personal capacity to cope with duties.

Hännänpurennalla on merkittävä vaikutus sikojen terveyteen ja hyvinvointiin ja sitä kautta tuotettavien ruhojen laatuun. Lihasikojen lisäksi myös välitysporsaille on olemassa tietyt laatukriteerit ja hännänpurennasta aiheutuneet vauriot voivat aiheuttaa porsaan ostohintaan tehtävän häntävähennyksen. Hännänpurenta vaikuttaakin tuotannon kannattavuuteen ja kilpailukykyyn paitsi lihasikaloissa, myös välikasvatuksessa. Maatilatalouden kehittämisrahaston rahoittaman hankkeen ”Ehjä häntä kertoo sian kokonaishyvinvoinnista” (EHJÄ) tavoitteena on mm. tuottaa lisää tietoa hännänpurennasta ja siihen vaikuttavista tekijöistä porsaiden terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin edistämiseksi erityisesti välikasvatusvaiheessa. Vuonna 2022 tehdyissä kymmenessä tilahaastattelussa kerättiin tietoa hännänpurennan riskitekijöistä, taloudellisista vaikutuksista sekä parhaiten motivoivista kannustimista hännänpurennan vähentämiseksi välikasvatuksessa. Lisäksi selvitettiin, miten haastatellut tuottajat ja eläintenhoitajat reagoivat hännänpurentaan välikasvatuksessa. Haastattelujen perusteella välikasvattamojen tuottajat ja eläintenhoitajat pääsääntöisesti sekä tunnistavat hännänpurennan ja sen riskitekijät, että tietävät miten ehkäistä ja hallita hännänpurentaa sikalassa. Eniten hännänpurennan riskiä lisäsivät haastateltujen mielestä muutokset olosuhteissa tai ruokinnassa sekä tilanpuute erityisesti kasvatusvaiheen loppupuolella. Äkillisiä olosuhde-muutoksia voivat aiheuttaa esim. lämpötilan vaihtelut keväällä ja syksyllä sekä ilmastoinnin ja ruokintalaitteen toimintahäiriöt. Hännänpurennan hallinnassa olennaista onkin jatkuva olosuhteiden sekä porsaiden tarkkailu. Ongelmien ilmetessä tärkeää on myös nopea reagointi esimerkiksi tarjoamalla porsaille lisää virikkeitä. Samoin purija tai purtu porsas pitää tarvittaessa eristää ja purtu porsas lääkitä. Sikalan olosuhteiden seurannassa apuna ovat erilaiset automaattiset hälytys- ja seurantajärjestelmät. Käytetyn teknologian osalta korostuvat toimintavarmuus sekä huollon ja korjausten merkitys. Kaikki haastatteluihin osallistuneet olivat erittäin tai melko motivoituneita puuttumaan hännänpurentaan omalla tilallaan. Hännänpurennan ehkäisyyn motivoivat ennen kaikkea sikojen terveys ja hyvinvointi sekä halu tuottaa laadukkaita porsaita. Sikalan olosuhteiden ja sikojen hyvinvoinnin parantaminen ovat kuitenkin riippuvaisia tilan taloudellisista resursseista. Tähän vaikuttavat sianlihantuotannon kannattavuuden lisäksi erilaiset taloudelliset kannustimet, kuten hännänpurennan ehkäisytoimenpiteistä maksettava hyvinvointikorvaus sekä ehjistä hännistä saatava parempi hinta. Nyt kerättyjen havaintojen avulla voidaan edelleen kehittää toimenpiteitä sekä kannustimia hännänpurentariskin pienentämiseksi porsaiden välikasvatusvaiheessa.

Precision livestock farming (PLF) is increasingly being suggested as a promising tool for contributing to the sustainable transition of livestock farming as a market system innovation for farm-animal value chains. The innovations of PLF systems are over and above applications aimed at achieving on-farm goals (e.g. improving efficiency and monitoring farm animals), which are well recognised in the existing literature. This paper specifies the new dimensions of PLF systems, including data-sharing with retailers in the chain, with certifiers/control organisations, with other farmers and with market innovators, as well as data governance. Because farmers approach PLF applications that extend beyond on-farm use with reluctance, it is crucial to take farmer preferences into account when designing multi-actor PLF-system innovations. Proceeding from a mixed-method design, this study begins with a literature review and expert interviews, followed by an examination of farmer preferences regarding the architectural-design attributes of a PLF-system innovation. The latter takes the form of a conjoint study based on data obtained from 367 pig and dairy farmers in Finland, the Netherlands and Spain. Results indicate that farmers attach the greatest importance to the governing structure that manages their data, followed by the opportunity to use an on-farm early-warning system to monitor farm animals, and the possibility of sharing the collected data with value-chain actors mainly for purposes of optimising business innovation and certification. A cluster analysis further highlights the importance of finding customised solutions, considering the heterogenous preferences of farmers for PLF-system innovations beyond European borders. These preferences should be considered in the design of multi-actor PLF-system innovations.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide information on how citizens in nine countries across Europe perceive egg product quality and the importance of a product's sustainability attributes (animal welfare, country of origin and production method) in egg purchases. Design/methodology/approach The data were gathered in 2021 via an online survey in nine European countries (Finland, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Denmark). A total of 3,601 responses were collected. As methods of analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), independent samples t -test, paired samples t -test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted when investigating the quality dimensions of egg products and the differences amongst the sociodemographic groups. Findings Citizens in European countries considered animal welfare aspects, production method and country of origin important when purchasing egg products. Citizens' perceived quality of egg products was related to two dimensions (i.e. product properties and responsible production), and there were differences in perceptions by sociodemographic groups (i.e. age, gender, education and country of residence). Responsible production was most valued by younger women with higher education. Also in the Netherlands and Romania, citizens had stronger preferences for product properties compared to responsible production, whilst in Germany, responsible production was appreciated more than product properties. Originality/value The study provides new information on citizens' perceived egg product quality and the role of a product's sustainability attributes in egg purchases. Furthermore, the results bring novel insights on the differences in perceptions amongst citizens living in nine European countries.

Suomalaisen kotieläintuotannon rakenne ja toimintaympäristö muuttuvat nopeasti. Innovaatioiden ja hyvien käytäntöjen käyttöönotto sekä kotieläinyritysten ammattitaitoinen johtaminen voivat parantaa niiden suorituskykyä taloudellisen, sosiaalisen ja ympäristön kestävyyden näkökulmasta. Yrittäjän ja yrityksen tavoitteet määrittelevät sen, miten tilaa kehitetään ja suorituskykyä voidaan parantaa. Tavoitteiden saavuttamiseksi tarvitaan seurantaa ja tarvittaessa toimintatapojen muuttamista. Tämän tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli selvittää, mitkä ovat kehittyneiden kotieläinyritysten keskeiset tavoitteet ja haasteet. Toisena tavoitteena oli kuvata, millaisia päätöksenteon, liikkeenjohdon ja riskinhallinnan välineitä ja työkaluja kotieläintiloilla hyödynnetään. Aineistona käytettiin syksyllä 2023 tehtyä kyselyä (N = 168). Kotieläinyrittäjien tavoitteissa korostuivat toimeentulon turvaaminen, eläinten ja ihmisten hyvinvointi. Useimmat kotieläinyrittäjät kokivat onnistuneensa eläinten hyvinvoinnin sekä työntekijöiden hyvinvoinnin turvaamisessa hyvin. Noin puolet koki saavuttaneensa hyvän taloudellisen tilanteen yrityksessään. Alle kolmasosa yrittäjistä koki oman työhyvinvointinsa olevan hyvä. Talousjohtamisen ja riskienhallinnan työkalujen käytössä oli eroja vastaajien kesken. Yleisimmin käytettyjä talousjohtamisen työkaluja olivat hintatason sekä panos- ja tuotemarkkinoiden seuraaminen ja hankintojen kilpailutus. Myös maksuvalmiutta ja toteutuneita kustannuksia seurattiin monissa kotieläinyrityksissä. Riskienhallinnan työkaluista tärkeimmät olivat tuotannon keskeytysvakuutus ja eläintautien vahinkoja korvaava vakuutus. Tulosten perusteella taloushallinnan työkalujen käyttö korreloi riskienhallinnan työkalujen käytön ja tilakoon kanssa. Tämän tutkimuksen tulosten perusteella johtamisen ja riskienhallinnan työkalujen käytettävyyttä tulisi kehittää, jotta ne palvelisivat nykyistä paremmin kehittyvien kotieläinyritysten päätöksenteon tukena.

In recent years, integrated veterinary herd health management (VHHM), improving animal health, welfare, food safety, public health, farm management, and economics, has become ever-more important in the European Union due to structural and regulatory advancements. A mixed-methods study analyzed the current state and gaps in VHHM education and training across Europe. Data from 41 European veterinary institutions showed that 83% (n = 34/41) offered VHHM education, either as standalone courses and/or integrated into other subjects. An online survey for veterinarians, primarily working with cattle, poultry, pigs, and small ruminants (75%; n = 86/114), assessed perceived training knowledge gaps and needs. The majority of respondents were unaware of VHHM training programs (69.4%, n = 43/62) or projects (59.6%, n = 59/99) and reported the biggest gaps in VHHM training certification (14%, n = 7/49), followed by soft skills (12%, n = 6/52) and demonstrating VHHM benefits to their clients (9%, n = 5/53). To conclude, while undergraduate VHHM education was generally adequate, enhancing post-graduate certified multi-species training opportunities, incl. soft skills VHHM training were perceived as essential. Our findings also underscored the urgent need for robust economic evaluations of preventive strategies across various animal species to allow veterinarians to better demonstrate VHHM’s direct and indirect benefits to farmers.