Staudte: More Animal Welfare in Poultry Farming Possible
Lower Saxony Recognizes Poultry Farmers for Animal Welfare Innovations
HANNOVER, Germany (AP) — The Lower Saxony Animal Welfare Award 2024 has recognized three individuals for their commitment to improving animal welfare in poultry farming. The award, totaling 30,000 euros, was presented to Christine Bremer, Lutz Lütjens, and Wilhelm Kollmer-Heidkamp for their innovative approaches to poultry farming.
Award Winners Champion Enhanced Poultry Practices
Christine Bremer of Suhlendorf, in the Uelzen district, received first place for her company “Heideflügel,” which supports organic farms and small businesses by providing access to suitable breeds of chicks and young hens. Bremer also breeds robust, dual-purpose breeds of turkeys that can be kept outdoors and are more resistant to disease. These dual-purpose breeds are suitable for both egg production and meat, allowing for better utilization of male animals compared to breeds bred solely for egg production.
Lutz Lütjens of Hemlingen, in the Rotenburg-Wümme district, and Wilhelm Kollmer-Heidkamp of Linden, in the Oldenburg district, equally shared second place. Kollmer-Heidkamp has been involved in the animal welfare plan in Lower Saxony for over a decade,ensuring that all poultry in Lower Saxony have access to additional water. Lütjens’ operation, “Lütjens Weidehähnchen,” raises broiler chickens in mobile stalls with access to a winter garden and pasture, providing external climate control and increased space.
Minister Staudte Praises Award Recipients
“More animal protection in poultry farming is possible, as demonstrated by the success stories recognized by this award,” said Miriam Staudte, Minister of Agriculture. “This year’s winners clearly illustrate how animal welfare for poultry can be improved. The Lower Saxony Animal welfare Award 2024 acknowledges the extraordinary commitment with which practical approaches for enhanced animal welfare can be realized.”
Background on the Animal Welfare Award
The Lower Saxony Animal Welfare Award, established in 2022, recognizes individuals and institutions dedicated to improving animal welfare in Lower Saxony. The award considers various aspects of animal handling, including attitude, catching, loading, and slaughter practices.
The award’s focus changes annually. Previous years have highlighted alternative methods in animal experiments (2022) and improvements in pet animal welfare (2023).
The jury consists of experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, the State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (Laves), the State Animal Protection Officer, and the Animal welfare Advisory Board.