Implementing Animal Welfare Standards in Cattle Farming

Animal Welfare: Definitions and Scope

Animal Welfare (AW) refers to the actions and procedures used in productive systems, from birth through the state of breeding. This includes offering animals comfort in place and transport, focusing on animal well-being and behavioral patterns.

Key Definitions of Animal Welfare

• Broom (1986): Welfare of an individual is the state as regards to its attempts to cope with its environment.
• Hughes (1976): Welfare on a general level is a state of mental and physical health where the animal is in harmony with its environment.
• Webster (1995): Welfare is the ability to sustain physical and mental fitness.

Historical Context of Animal Welfare

The modern movement gained traction following the 1964 publication of the book “Animal Machines,” which created significant public discontent.

The Brambell Committee (1965)

The British Government established the Technical Committee (Brambell Committee) in 1965 to review Animal Welfare in intensive production. The Committee stated that animals should be free enough to turn around, groom, get up, lie down, and stretch their limbs.

The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare

These internationally recognized freedoms define the ideal state of animal welfare:

1. Freedom from Thirst, Hunger, and Malnutrition: By ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
2. Freedom from Discomfort: By providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease: By prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom from Fear and Distress: By ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
5. Freedom to Display Normal Behavior: By providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal's own kind.

Implementing Welfare Standards in Cattle Production

Handling Procedures

The behavioral characteristics of cattle, being herd and flight animals, allow for the use of rational management compatible with welfare principles. Handling must prioritize serenity and patience, using movement stimulants but never force.

Specific Management Practices

• Marking: Must be performed professionally to minimize stress before and after the procedure.
• Castration: Should be done at a reasonable age (24 hours to 2 months). The scrotal area must be professionally disinfected. Avoid castration during weaning.
• Weaning: Should be performed when the biological cycle is prepared. Care must be taken regarding the health of the cow and calf, calmly reducing stress.
• Dehorning: Recommended two weeks before or two weeks after weaning.

Farm Facilities and Infrastructure

Establishments should have management facilities including:

• Pens, enclosures, and small bull pens.
• Restraint mechanisms appropriate to the type, temperament, and number of animals being handled.
• Pens with artificial light, repair capabilities, and shade.
• Facilities must not contain sharp elements that could cause injury.
• Loading and unloading ramps should have a slope of no more than 20 degrees and be well-lit.

Nutrition and Hydration

Feeding Standards

All animals should receive a nutritious diet appropriate for their age, productive condition, and time of year. This diet must meet requirements for growth, development, maintenance, health, production, and reproduction.

Water Access

Animals require free access to clean and fresh water, especially during the hot season.

Animal Health Management

Maintaining perfect health requires:

• Regular inspection (recommended every three months).
• Consulting a veterinarian when necessary.
• Disinfecting facilities regularly.

Legal Sanctions and the Future of Animal Welfare

Compliance and Penalties

Animal Welfare laws are established in welfare legislation (e.g., England, Scotland). Non-compliance can result in economic fines and penitentiary sanctions. Severe cases may lead to the removal of livestock exploitation rights. Animal abuse is also subject to sanctions.

The Future of Animal Welfare

Society is showing greater solidarity with Animal Welfare principles. Laws are being formulated in all countries. The UK is often cited among the best-ranked countries in Animal Welfare, which is why agricultural policies, even post-Brexit, continue to maintain and enhance AW standards.