Sustainable, biodiversity-promoting pasture farming of cattle in Schleswig-Holstein (NaBiWei)

Pasture farming plays a central role in sustainable agriculture and in the conservation of biodiversity. However, there are challenges related to animal health, parasite infestation and the genetic improvement of pasture-fed cattle that need to be addressed to support and further develop this practice. The project aims to strengthen pasture farming. To this end, the effects of anthelmintics (dewormers) on the biodiversity of pastures will be investigated. A treatment concept will be developed that takes into account both nature conservation through reduced anthelmintic use and animal welfare. Another focus of the project is the development of genome-based pasture breeding programs. The project aims to provide comprehensive knowledge of deworming management and its effects on animal health and the diversity of flora and fauna and to derive optimal action plans for pasture farming in the future. In addition, an index breeding value for pasture farming of the Holstein Friesian breed will be established. The aim is to strengthen the Shorthorn breed, which is particularly interesting for extensive pasture farming, through cross-border networking.