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Ark Warder Zoological Park is the world's largest center for rare and endangered domestic animal breeds. The park houses 87 breeds and 7 ancestral forms (wild animal species) across a 40 ha landscape park and 19 satellite stations (150 ha), providing a comprehensive impression of the once-extensive-agro-biodiversity. The park's scenic landscape as well as the newly established Domesticaneum science center form the foundation for intensive, close human-animal-contact, environmental education, immersive nature experiences, and the conveyance of domestic animals' significance in human cultural history. Furthermore, Ark Warder is based as a scientific institution. This holistic approach based on the following 6 core principles can be regarded as a unique concept: (1) Conservation breeding, (2) Establishment of satellite stations, (3) Education, (4) Networking, (5) Research, (6) Preservation of native biodiversity. This concept will be presented in this publication.

The aim of this study was to compare the fattening performance and pork quality of 10 pigs from the endangered breed Bentheim Black Pied (BBS) with 30 F₁ pigs from the widely used Danish hybrid pig (Large White x Danish Landrace) crossed with BBS (BHP), all fattened up under free-range conditions.A total of 40 pigs were fattened up under a restrictive feeding regime on a 1.28ha pasture and weighed monthly. Subsequently, the pigs were slaughtered, carcass traits were assessed, and samples from M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and back-fat were collected for laboratory analysis.Fattening performance differed significantly between the groups: BHP pigs were significantly heavier at the end of the fattening period (128.3 kg BHP vs. 102.5 kg BBS), with significantly higher average daily weight gain. Significant differences were observed in carcass characteristics (carcass length, cutlet weight, carcass yield). However, BBS pigs showed a more favourable fatty acid profile, notably with higher levels of the essential α-linolenic acid. Water-holding capacity was lower in BHP pigs, with significantly higher drip losses during cold storage at 2°C, while grill- and thawing-losses did not differ significantly. Sensory analysis revealed that untrained panellists were able to distinguish between meat of both groups. BBS meat was rated as more tender, which was also confirmed by significantly lower shear force measurements.The study showed that crossbreeding BBS and Danish hybrid pigs can compensate for performance deficits of the traditional breed -such as slower growth- while partially retaining beneficial traits, such as a nutritionally superior fatty acid composition. Overall, the results are in line with the expectations for F₁ crossbred pigs, when 2 breeds with different performance parameters are used. These findings are relevant for veterinary practitioners involved in sustainable pig production, the conservation of rare breeds, and the development of alternative outdoor husbandry systems.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly antibiotic resistance, is an increasingly significant threat to human and veterinary health. Monitoring systems are essential for establishing targeted measures to reduce AMR and for measuring the success of these measures. The European obligation to record antibiotic consumption is entering the next stage. In order to implement Article 57 of Regulation (EU) 2019/6, data on the volume of antibiotic use in sheep, goats, horses (including non-slaughter animals), geese, ducks, rabbits intended for food production and fish (Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, gilthead seabream, sea bass and carp) must be collected nationally by 1 January 2026. This data must then be reported by veterinarians to the HI-Tier veterinary medicine database (TAM-DB) by 14 January 2027.

Domestic Baroque donkeys are popular animals in many European parks and zoos. Although their cream coat color is very charismatic, the underlying genetics is still undiscovered. Addressing this question, a candidate approach was used to search for the causative mutation.Considering the knowledge from domestic horses, the Solute Carrier Family 45 Member 2 (SLC45A2) was identified as the most promising candidate. Samples from 77 domesticated donkeys, 11 wild equids, 1 mule and 2 domestic horses were included in comparison. All exons and the flanking intron sequences of the SLC45A2 were sequenced (2774bp).Sequence comparison revealed that a mutation found exclusively in exon 7 transmembrane region 11 (c.1457C>T; p.Ala486Val) is very likely responsible for the charismatic coat color phenotype in Baroque donkeys. Family studies produced evidence for an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Since the coat color in Baroque donkeys varies from almost white to gold, the question remains whether the base coloration, which in mammals is regulated by the ASIP and MC1R genes, also have an impact but no remarkable mutations were found in Baroque donkeys.

Extensive husbandry of domestic animals has advantages for land and biodiversity. In order to also benefit the animals, animal owners must cope with special legal and practical challenges. This article provides an overview of some of the particular aspects of management and veterinary medicine that need to be taken into account. It also attempts to explain why an on-site veterinarian is reasonable for this type of husbandry if one wants to avoid violating the German Animal Welfare Act. This holds true regardless of whether animals are kept for commercial purposes or purely for landscape maintenance. In the latter case in particular, responsibilities may be distributed in such a way that an on-site veterinarian could compensate for gaps in factual accountability that threaten the health of the animals.

This practical report refers to the farm's own data (weight development, sow behavior and lactation) from 2 farrowing passages (DG) in a free-range forest enclosure (DG 1 Feb. 2025: 5 sows; DG 2 May 2025: 3 sows). An additional trial passage (5 sows) in the summer of 2024 was included for the production data. The sows, which were artificially inseminated with Pietrain semen (crossbred sows: Schwäbisch-Hällisch*Pietrain), had 5 farrowing pens with heated piglet nests available for birth in a barn; a feeding area in the barn, the planned space with drinking troughs and a piglet free-range forest enclosure with 620 m² were accessible to sows and piglets at the latest from the 11^th day of life (LT) of the first litter of each DG. A few weeks later, the pasture (3,000 m²) and main free-range forest enclosure (16,000 m²) were also opened. Feeding took place with organic concentrate feed components with 11.22 MJ ME/kg, 12.8% crude protein content and large quantities of acre-grass (supplied or grazing). The piglets were not weaned and remained with the sows until natural weaning.On average (trial passage, DG 1 and DG 2), 82.3% of liveborn piglets reached a weight of approx. 25 kg. Losses by crushing were 12.3% (mainly on the first day after birth) and other losses were 5.4%. The average daily weight gain of piglets in DG 1 and DG 2 was between LT 29 (8.01 kg live weight) and LT 78 (29.18 kg live weight) at 432 grams; at the end of week 10, an average group weight of 25 kg was reached. The sows behaved mostly relaxed and neutral towards the farm staff, with a few animals being nervous occasionally. No sow showed aggressive behavior. Recognizable weaning took place from the 13^th/14^th week of life (LW), with the largest part of weaning completed by the 16^th/17^th LW.For the presented practical farm keeping sows with piglets in a free-range forest enclosure is an effective way of production. The husbandry system shows adequate daily weight gains, and the sows' distinct feed conversion capability during the natural lactation period means that they can be fed 100% organic feed without any problems. With regard to losses by crushing on the first day of life, management must be further optimized in terms of selection of sows and factors such as bedding.

The initiation of embryo cryopreservation programs is recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to preserve genetic resources of old farm animal breeds. Rotes Höhenvieh is one of the German breeds listed as "observation population" by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). In vitro embryo production (IVP) is an assisted reproductive biotechnology that can generate embryos from cows with reproductive disorders. A 16-year-old cow of the breed Rotes Höhenvieh with a history of failed natural breeding attempts was presented to the Institute of Farm Animal Genetics of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) with the aim to produce and cryopreserve embryos by utilizing assisted reproductive technologies. A follicle stimulation protocol for the retrieval of in vivo matured oocytes by ovum pick-up (OPU) was applied to 3 sessions of IVP. Oocytes were fertilized in vitro with frozen-thawed semen of 2 Rotes Höhenvieh bulls. After adjustments on the IVP protocol, 3 viable embryos could be produced for cryopreservation and long-term storage in the German Gene Bank of Farm Animals at the FLI.In conclusion, the implementation of in vivo oocyte maturation in combination with in vitro embryo production in aged cows offers a vital strategy for preserving the genetics of endangered old farm animal breeds.

Rhodococcus (R.) equi is a common causative agent of the septic arthritis, physitis, and osteomyelitis (SAPO) complex in foals, often resulting from hematogenous dissemination or perforating trauma. The early detection of osteomyelitis is challenging, and treatment has a guarded prognosis.A 3-month-old warmblood filly was presented with severe lameness, swelling, and palpable heat in the right cubital region. Ultrasonographic examination revealed signs suggestive of septic arthritis. Joint lavage and intra-articular injection of antibiotic were performed, but synovial swab cultures were sterile. Subsequently worsened lameness and increased body temperature prompted further investigations, confirming physitis and lung involvement. Definitive R. equi diagnosis was obtained from physeal curettage samples. Surgical drainage and repeated curettage were performed, along with antibiotic therapy based on antibiograms.Radiographic follow-ups showed reduction in bone defect size, and magnetic field therapy was employed during hospitalization, additionally to medical and surgical treatment. Long-term follow-up indicated sustained improvement without recurrence.This case demonstrates that early recognition of R. equi orthopedic infections requires a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive diagnostic testing, including imaging and culture for antibiogram-guided therapy. In cases of P-type bone infection aggressive surgical treatment, consisting of repeated curettage of the involved physis is essential to address underlying pathology and promote tissue healing. Despite associated challenges and costs, these procedures significantly improve long-term outcomes.

According to the literature, the dystocia rate in sows lies between 10-55%. Manual obstetrics (MO) is used to counteract the negative effects of dystocia, such as increased stillbirth rates. Data on birth intervals associated with an increased risk of stillbirth, vary between 30-60 min. With increasing farrowing duration in today's high-prolific sows farrowing supervision with appropriate obstetric intervention are increasingly relevant. The aim of this study was to test a differentiated obstetric intervention protocol in high-prolific sows to reduce the stillbirth rate. The study aimed to contribute to the harmonization of data on the birth physiology of these animals and to elucidate the frequency of necessary obstetric interventions.210 births of Yorkshire Landrace hybrid sows housed in crates were observed. The sows farrowed spontaneously (G1, n=70) or were treated with cloprostenol to induce parturition on the 114th day of gestation and farrowed within 12-24 h (G2, n=63) or after >24 h (G3, n=77). MO was administered if the interval between two piglets exceeded 60 min after the 1^st, 45 min after the 2^nd-5^th and 30 min after the 6^th and subsequent piglets. The births were grouped according to birth induction (G1, G2, G3), parity (P1, P2-4, P≥5) and litter size (W5-14, W15-18; W19-22, W≥23) and compared in terms of farrowing characteristics.In W19-22 and W≥23, MO was performed more often than in smaller litters (81.1% and 85.2% vs.≤60%; p≤0.02 respectively). MO was performed more frequently in P≥5 than in P2-4 and P1 (87.7% vs. 73.3% and 60.3%; p≤0.05 respectively). In the second half of the birth, the rate of MO was more than twice as high as in P1 and P2-4 at 30-60%. The proportion of stillborn piglets increased linearly with the relative birth rank and averaged 5.2%. At W≥23, the stillbirth rate was twice as high as for litter sizes up to 18 piglets, despite more frequent MO.The low stillbirth rate indicates that the obstetric intervention protocol shortens the duration of parturition and reduces stillbirths, especially in sows≥5th litter. However, its use has to be negotiated against economic (availability of personnel) and hygienic aspects (risk of infection due to frequent MO).