[Ethological basis for the development of alternative husbandry systems].

Ethological studies in semi-natural enclosures consistently show that the species-specific behaviour of our farm animal species has hardly been changed by domestication. However, in intensive husbandry systems the evolutionary bases of behaviour are neglected. The functions of behaviour are no longer achieved by the animal's species-specific behaviour, but by technical solutions. In contrast, alternative husbandry systems provide the animal an environment that releases and structures its species-specific behaviour. A combined husbandry system for breeding sows and fattening pigs in an enriched pen is described. Although the structures of the pen and the space available differ much from a semi-natural environment, the pigs show their normal species-specific behaviour. This is because the behavioural mechanisms do not respond differently to natural and artificial stimuli in their environment.