Senter for husdyrforsøk / The Livestock Production Research Centre

Behaviour & Welfare

Animal Health

Body Composition

Feed & Feed Tehnologies

Housing & System Trials

Physiological Studies

The Livestock Production Research Centre (SHF) stands as Norway’s largest educational and research institution dedicated to the advancement of livestock farming. We delve into fundamental and innovative research, seeking sustainable, profitable, and environmentally-friendly solutions for the livestock industry. Our main areas of focus encompass livestock farming, nutrition, genetics, animal health and welfare, and the environmental impact of domesticated animals. *Facilities and Research Highlights The department is just over 1,700 square meters, where production is based on seven weeks of pool operation with space for three pools of 20 sows (60 in total). In addition, there are 136 trial places for piglets and 84 trial places for grower pigs. Nutritional trials have been carried out where research has been conducted on feed strength, feed standards, additives and treatment of feed, fiber-rich feed for sows etc. Impact on product quality and animal health/welfare are important parameters. Growth physiology studies have also been carried out to look at fat/meat in different body parts of different pig breeds. Bone disorders in pigs have been the subject of research. The ethologists have developed loose systems for sows and new farrowing pens. Ethological studies related to group size, fear and aggression for both sows and piglets have been carried out. There have also been studies of pigs in uninsulated houses, and in the latter the focus has been placed on the conditions for piglets. While we do not produce feed at SHF-NMBU, we collaborate closely with The Center for Feed Technology (Fôrtek) within NMBU, a leading entity in feed production. * Experimental possibilities For pigs: •Two departments with 20 litter boxes in each. Pens with free-range sows, nesting area with heated flooring. •Sows in 2-4 groups on straw litter. Individual feeding possible. For piglets: •34 pens with space for 2-4 weaned piglets in each pen. Feed intake on group level. •Animal weight. For Fattening Pigs: •14 pens with room for up to 6 pigs in each pen from 20-25 kg to approx. 100 kg. •Individual feed registration. •Animal weight. •Water meters at group level. •Good opportunities for carrying out ethology experiments. Vaccine Trials: •Vaccine trials/immunization trials can be carried out with piglets.