Animal-experiment enclosures, which are one of the central facilities of the FBN,
house pigs,
cattle,
horses,
miniature goats and sheep. Several stable complexes, outdoor facilities, pastures and a fleet of vehicles are also managed by the staff of this section. Vocational programmes aimed at training caretakers of cattle and horses (including breeding) are under the this section's direction as well.
In addition to the enclosures for swine experiments, constructed in 1998, livestock are housed in renovated and modernized stables that provide standardized test conditions. For the enclosures and the animals, the existing capacity is coordinated for the calendar year. The basis for the scheduling of individual research projects are the stable occupancy and animal-breeding plans. Management concepts guiding basic care together with the provision of detailed protocols ensure smooth experimental operations. The improved capacities of the animal experimental facilities allow for, especially in conjunction with specialized central institutions such as the "
Tiertechnikum" and
experimental-animal abbatoir, good and mutually beneficial conditions for broad-ranging basic and interdisciplinary studies. Existing experimental conditions can be modified and matched to meet specific experimental requirements.
Generally, conditions in the experimental animal barns comply with the respective animal husbandry standards and hygiene regulations in addition to the ethical requirements guiding animal welfare as well as environmental and consumer protection. These are the particular responsibilities of the FBN's veterinarians and animal welfare officers.