Animal category: Cattle

Answer to a question on how long it has taken the Commission and EFSA to prepare the revision of European legislation concerning the "End the Cage Age", a revision which was not fully completed in the end.

Scientific article showing that the loss of an enrichment element (grooming brush) to which grazing cattle are accustomed can adversely affect welfare, measured here by indicators of cleanliness, growth and fecal cortisol.

Article on the legal provisions set out in Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) justifying certain trade restrictions on the grounds of respect for animal welfare. The authors point out that the procedures for transporting animals in large numbers do not comply with European legislation. As part of the current review of Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 governing the transport of animals within and outside the EU, amendments should be considered to achieve effective animal welfare regulations.

Scientific article showing that heat stress generated by intense heat waves increases activity in dairy cows and compromises milk production, resting time and milk quality.

An MEP has questioned the European Commission on the abandonment of its plans to revise animal welfare legislation to include a ban on cage farming. According to a survey, MEPs are being encouraged to resist pressure from NGOs. The MEP questions the European Commission on this subject.

Article describing the environmental challenges of livestock farming, along with its impact on animal welfare and global health. The article underlines the need for farming practices to evolve, with animal health and welfare as key contributors to the sustainability of livestock farming.

Article exploring the origins of the concept of animal welfare in European law, starting with the Maastricht Treaty (1992). The scope of the cross-cutting clause in art. 13 of the TFEU (Lisbon Treaty, 2007) codifying respect for animal welfare in Europe may vary from one member state to another.

Scientific article explaining the risks of conflating the concept of animal welfare with that of sustainable farming.Linking them can blur their differences and may result in misguided agricultural political decision-making.

Review of scientific articles describing the advantages and disadvantages of the use of technology on dairy farms. Most articles report an improvement in animal welfare thanks to the technology studied, but the authors of the review are concerned over a possible lack of objectivity, suggesting that future studies should endeavor to address both potential advantages and disadvantages.

Article summarising the benefits and potential of precision monitoring technologies (wearable sensors, video observation and smartphones) to increase production and improve welfare in livestock farming.