RESEARCH PROJECTS
At Vilarta SA, we believe in responsible innovation and scientific collaboration to advance a more ethical, efficient, and sustainable production model that prioritizes animal welfare.
We are committed to sustainable development through strategic investment in applied scientific research, with the goal of promoting the advancement of knowledge and implementing technologies that contribute to improving animal welfare, understanding this as an essential component of productivity, biosecurity, and professional ethics.
We actively participate in technical studies in collaboration with institutions, research centers, partner companies, and specialized professionals to generate evidence-based protocols that improve practices and approaches to animal health, nutritional, and behavioral management.
REBEFAR
PROJECT
The REBEFAR Project (Recovery of the welfare of the lactating calf in phases of transport and arrival to the bait exploitation) is a collaborative initiative promoted by VILARTA SA and the Food Corporation Guissona SA - bonÀrea Agrupa, with the participation of IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology) as a research center, and coordinated by the Boví Business Association of Alcarràs and Asoprovac Catalonia.
Initiative co-financed by the European Union within the framework of the Strategic Plan of the CAP (PEPAC) 2023-2027, with a budget of 251,330,60€ and with the grant of 203,901,80', aims to develop and validate innovative strategies that improve the well-being, health and physiological recovery of lactating calves during the phases of transport and arrival at bait farms.
The REBEFAR Project seeks to generate protocols based on scientific evidence that contribute to optimize the management of the calf in its early phases of adaptation, reducing the need for veterinary treatments and improving its integral well-being.
Areas to action:
1. During transport:
· Incorporation of feeding systems in vehicles to guarantee the intake of nutrients during the journey.
· Reduction of the total transport time to minimize stress and loss of body reserves.
2. At the arrival of the farm:
· Immediate access to water to prevent dehydration.
·Introduction of different feed formats to facilitate digestive intake and adaptation.
·Fibre inclusion in the initial diet to favor intestinal function.
·Use of emulsifiers in milk to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients
Actions necessary to achieve the objectives:
1. Characterise the status of calves upon arrival, depending on age and origin.
2. Quantify the impact of the strategies applied during transport and arrival on feed consumption.
Companies, entities and/or organizations participating in the project:
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