“One of the most positive points of Welfair® is that they have very well-defined guidelines, and the farmers appreciate that.”

Marc Erra, Sales and Marketing Director of Erra, represents a family-owned company with over 50 years of experience in the manufacturing and assembly of all types of livestock equipment for pig and cattle farms. In this interview, he shares how the guidelines for the seal Welfair® have made it easier for livestock farmers to adopt solutions that improve animal welfare, as well as the importance of integrating innovation and commitment every step of the way. Based in the Osona region of Catalonia, Erra has positioned itself as a leader in the implementation of innovative solutions that contribute to meeting high animal welfare standards.

A story of tradition and innovation

The Erra company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. Founded by his parents, Toni and Imma, this family business has established itself as a benchmark in the livestock sector. “We now work alongside my parents, who are semi-retired, my brother, and a partner. We have managed to adapt to changes in the sector, always with animal welfare as one of our main pillars,” he explains.

The company's location in the Osona region has been key to its development. "Osona is known for its livestock tradition and for being a pioneer in livestock facilities. Many of the region's farmers are not integrated, and this leads them to demand greater standards on their farms," ​​he comments. This independence has created a unique microsystem within Spain that has encouraged companies like Erra to seek increasingly innovative solutions to meet these high demands.

Key factors to ensure animal welfare

According to Marc, animal welfare and farm profitability are closely related. “When animals are well, results are better. For example, if farm temperatures are adequate, animal growth improves; if floors and slats are in good condition, problems such as lameness are reduced,” he says.

He also emphasizes the importance of preventing problems such as tail biting in pigs, an abnormal behavior that involves biting the tail of one or more of their peers in the pen. He considers this a key aspect in which farmers are increasingly aligning themselves with animal welfare guidelines and the requirements of the Seal. Welfair®.

Innovation with impact: the E480 Welfare hopper

One of Erra's flagship products is the E-480 Welfare hopper, a piece of equipment specifically designed to optimize feed and water consumption while minimizing waste. "This model includes four watering points arranged so that the animals can drink simultaneously, reducing fighting and improving the efficiency of water and slurry use. Furthermore, in this model we widened the feed area," explains Marc. Therefore, the hopper is also designed to allow two pigs to eat simultaneously on each side, reducing hierarchies and queues.

However, Marc adds that this design is not without its challenges. “Although the Royal Decree requires us to install four water points, I believe this regulation doesn't always take into account the technological evolution of modern hoppers, like ours, which allows for simultaneous water consumption with less waste. Even so, we have adapted our hoppers to comply with the regulations and minimize water loss,” he says.

Additionally, Marc comments that meeting certain regulatory requirements can be challenging, but emphasizes the importance of finding solutions that benefit both animals and the environment. “We are facing a drought and we need to be responsible with resources. The E-480 Welfare is an example of how to balance these needs.” According to Marc, one of the main achievements of this model is its ability to save between 50% and 60% of water compared to traditional systems. Despite the improvements implemented, Marc points out that controversy remains regarding current regulations and expresses his hope that, in the future, they will be adapted to the technological and functional reality of this type of equipment.

Challenges and future of animal welfare

Marc points out that one of the biggest challenges is the initial reluctance of some farmers to invest in changes they consider imposed. However, he emphasizes that, once the improvements are implemented, the results are evident. “Many of our clients have thanked us for the proposed solutions, seeing that their animals are better and that their profitability has also increased. They have told us on several occasions that they had doubts about focusing on certain aspects of animal welfare, but now they are very clear about it,” he says. Another aspect Marc highlights is the guidelines for Welfair®: “They are very well defined and, for me, that is one of the most positive aspects, since the farmers are very grateful for it,” he concludes.

Looking to the future, Marc believes the pig sector's transition to free-range farrowing is the next major step in animal welfare. "Although it is not yet regulated in Spain, we believe that Welfair® will lead this change ahead of legislation. Implementing more comprehensive systems tailored to the needs of sows can open up new markets and improve farmers' competitiveness."

Marc explains that they're already implementing free-range farrowing on approximately 30 to 40% of the farms they work with, anticipating potential regulatory changes. "The industry recognizes that these practices not only benefit the animals, but also improve consumer perception and open up new market opportunities," he comments.

Collaboration and commitment

For Erra, the success of its products lies in a collaborative approach. “What's essential is to constantly talk to the sector: farmers, integrators, and associations. Feedback is essential to adapting our solutions to the real needs of the sector,” Marc concludes. He also mentions that the Welfare label on the products generates special interest among customers.Welfair® generates confidence and, although it does not always directly refer to the specific points of the certification, it gives peace of mind and adds value.”

“Ultimately, what we want is for farmers to see animal welfare as an opportunity, not an imposition. We want the improvements we propose to be perceived as a truly worthwhile investment,” Marc concludes.

With companies like Erra, animal welfare is consolidated not only as a requirement, but as an opportunity to innovate and advance toward more ethical and future-oriented livestock farming.