The welfare of beef cattle is the topic of the latest scientific opinion of the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA). The new report finds that current common housing practices, in particular indoor housing systems, often impact negatively on beef cattle welfare.
Housing often lacking welfare
Among the problems identified are a lack of quality bedding and environmental enrichment; inadequate space allowances; feeding regimes leading to metabolic diseases; abrupt weaning; mutilations without (adequate) pain relief and risk of heat stress.
Stricter controls on painful procedures
In response to these issues, EFSA suggests adapted housing design, better enrichment and stricter controls on painful procedures like castration and dehorning. It also argues that cows should always have access to clean water and be in stable social groups, and those kept outdoors should have easily accessible shelter to protect them from extreme cold and heat.
Research encouraged
It furthermore urges the research community to investigate welfare effects of space allowances, dietary fibre and the long-term impact of mutilations. Currently, no beef-specific on‑farm welfare rules exist outside the general protection of farm animals Directive 98/58/EC. EFSA’s key recommendations are summarised in this infographic. Earlier this year, EFSA published the related report on common husbandry systems and practices for keeping beef cattle in the European Union (EU).
Welfare, ‘a crucial pillar of disease prevention’
‘Welfare is a key issue in any species and not just for ethical reasons,’ stresses Giovanni Guadagnini (Italy), pig veterinarian, UEVP Treasurer and member of the UEVP/FVE animal welfare committee. ‘It’s an essential part of animal health, and optimal welfare will help improve production and prevent diseases. Together with biosecurity, welfare is a crucial pillar of disease prevention in farm animals.’
(image @Etienne Girardet/Unsplash)