Aircraft noise and chickens: farmers fear for their existence at Geislingen

Aircraft noise and chickens: farmers fear for their existence at Geislingen

The planned jump area for the Bundeswehr command of special forces (KSK) in Geislingen has not only the military importance, but also an immediate effect on local agriculture. In particular, two farmers who operate chicken farms near the intended area are concerned about the possible strain on their animals by aircraft noise.

aircraft noise and its effects

The question of how aircraft noise affects the behavior of farm animals not only deals with scientists and farmers. In recent years, research on environmental pollution and its influence on agricultural companies has increased significantly. Experts have already observed that animals often react with stress to loud noises. Stress can lead to changes in behavior or even health problems, which could have fatal economic consequences for farmers. In the case of Tobias and Angelika Vötsch, who run a chicken courtyard with 15,000 hens, this means a potential endangerment of their existence.

First observations at the Hühnerhof

During the Bundeswehr test flights on Tuesday and Wednesday, experts observed how the chickens reacted to the noise level. The animals experienced a retreat to the enclosure at the boys, which repeatedly led to a striking pattern. Immediately after the overflight, the chickens returned to the outside after a short hesitation, only to panic again on the next flight. These reactions are not only an immediate burden for the animals, but could also affect the laying performance in the long run.

challenges for agriculture

Tobias Vötsch expresses great concerns about the economic consequences of the new KSK jump area. "If our chickens can no longer spend enough time outdoors due to the aircraft noise, we endanger the status as a open -air operation," he explains. This status is crucial for the economy of its company because it is associated with higher proceeds. In the worst case, farmers would have no choice but to switch to a cheaper attitude of what could endanger the future of their companies.

rely on scientific knowledge

The Bundeswehr started an observation project together with scientists from the University of Hohenheim. The research team will watch the chickens during and after the test flights to find out whether and how the behavior of the animals changes in the long term. The professor of behavioral physiology of farm animals, Volker Stefanski, emphasizes that the answers to these questions have not yet been sufficiently treated in the literature. The use of cameras to observe behavior is a step in the right direction to provide the farmers a fact -based basis that they can use in their conversations with the authorities.

dialogue between farmers and the Bundeswehr

After the first test flights, Tobias Vötsch and his colleague from Geislingen made the alarm and the Bundeswehr reacted. In a press release, she announced that she takes the fears of farmers seriously and therefore repeats the overflights in order to convey a more realistic picture of the situation. The Bundeswehr is aware of the responsibility that it bears towards the farmers concerned and hopes to be able to contribute to the calming of the mind.

conclusion: a challenge for the region

The situation around the planned KSK bounce grounds in Geislingen illustrates the complex interactions between military projects and agricultural use. While the Bundeswehr is interested in the security of the nation, agricultural businesses in the region must ensure that their economic models are not endangered. The coming months will be decisive to consider both the needs of aviation and the well -being of animals and farmers.

- Nag