The contribution of animal production to total production of Swiss agriculture amounts to approx. 70 %. More than half of the utilised agricultural area of Switzerland, i.e. half a million hectares, is situated in hilly and mountainous zones. These areas along with large parts of the lower plateau are characterised by a rugged terrain and by vast climatic and topographic differences only suitable for grassland production. Animal husbandry in general and cattle in particular is predestined to transform this roughage into milk and meat.

Farmers largely produce their own feed grains mostly intended for fattening cattle and fattening pigs. Only one fifth of the feed is imported almost exclusively from European countries. By-products of the food industry are best converted by pigs. A substantial portion of their diet consists of by-products.

Nutrition and feeding of cattle, pigs, sheep and goats represent the core area of research activities at the ALP.