Spain: European recommendations to improve the welfare of dairy cows, ducks, geese, and quail

Published 2023년 5월 16일

Tridge summary

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published two new scientific opinions on the welfare of dairy cows, ducks, geese, and quail, as part of a series of reports to support the European Union's review of animal welfare standards. The recommendations include providing dairy cows with sufficient space and access to pasture, avoiding the permanent tethering of cows, and providing birds with more space and enriched enclosures. The authority advises against the use of breeding systems for ducks, geese, and quails, and warns against the rearing systems used during the overfeeding period for foie gras production in these birds. These opinions are part of the European Commission's Farm to Fork strategy and are expected to be supported by a legislative proposal in the later half of 2023.

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Original content

Dairy cows, ducks, geese and quail need more space and improved housing according to animal welfare recommendations published this Tuesday May 16 in two new scientific opinions from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The opinions are part of a series of documents on farm animal species that support the ongoing review of the European Union's animal welfare standards. As for dairy cows, EFSA indicates that having enough space to move and rest is an important factor in their well-being. Scientific evidence shows that permanently tethered cows in stalls have impaired welfare, and this practice should be avoided according to EFSA. Each cow must have access to a total interior space, including a lying area, of at least 9 m2. Other recommendations include: giving dairy cows access to pasture with drained and shaded areas; regular control of lameness, mastitis and metabolic disorders; and use brushes in all loose housing systems (ie systems where cows are not tethered) to allow ...

Source: Animalshealth