Discipline: Nutrition

Decree of June 19, 2025 laying down the animal health and protection rules to be met by activities involving domestic pets

Maud Faipoux

Published in 2025

This Order repeals that of April 3, 2014. It reinforces animal health and protection rules for pet-related activities, providing a clear and detailed regulatory framework for the activities of shelters, breeding establishments, educators and traders, taking into account the particular needs of each individual species. Health rules must now be instituted by all establishments. 

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories:Canine, Feline, Exotic pets, Birds (excluding poultry), Fish, Rodents

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Review - Restricted access to pasture and inadequate grazing in ruminants and equines

Brunet Valentin, Fusi Francesca, Bernardo Tiziano, Canali Elisabetta, Ruet Alice, Faye Bernard, Aubé Lydiane

Published in 2025

Synthesis from EURCAW Ruminants & Equines on the provision of access to pasture, which encourages the expression of natural behaviors and improves the health and well-being of ruminants and equines, notably through enhanced locomotion, enriched social interactions and good quality feed. However, it is not without some risks (animals can suffer from nutritional deficiencies, thermal stress, and locomotory and health disorders such as parasitism), calling for the appropriate management of resources, the environment and animal health.

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories:Cattle, Goats, Equines, Sheep, Ruminants

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Observational study: effect of varying transport durations and feed withdrawal on the physiological status and health of dairy calves

van Dijk, Luca L., Siegmann, Susanne, Field, Niamh L., Sugrue, Katie, van Reenen, Cornelis G., Bokkers, Eddie A. M., Conneely, Muireann, Sayers, Gearoid

Published in 2025

Study evaluating the impact of transport and fasting on the physiology and health of unweaned calves. The results show that the physiological changes observed on arrival were related more closely to the duration of feed deprivation rather than that of transport, although muscle fatigue was more marked in calves that had travelled the longest.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Transport

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Modèles comportementaux conduisant à la caudophagie

G. Gambarini

Published in 2025

Article on the behavioral variations that characterize tail-biting episodes in pigs.  Two-stage, sudden-violent, and obsessive patterns of behavior each require specific interventions. Early detection, environmental enrichment and reduced competition for resources are essential factors in preventing and managing this behavior.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Pain, Enrichment, Risk management, Housing, Behavioural disorders

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Q2E on nutrition and tail biting - EURCAW-Pigs

EURCAW-Pigs

Published in 2025

Answer to a question put to EURCAW-Pigs concerning the relationship between nutrition and tail biting in pigs. The European Reference Centre considers that access to sufficient water and feed (rich in fiber) is essential to prevent this behavior.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Pain, Enrichment, Risk management, Housing, Behavioural disorders

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Farmed yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor; Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) welfare: species-specific recommendations for a global industry

Barrett, M., Godfrey, R.K., Schnell, A., & Fischer, B.

Published in 2024

Review examining the factors influencing the welfare of yellow mealworms in farming, such as abiotic conditions, nutrition, intra/interspecific interactions and slaughter methods. Practical recommendations and research directions are suggested that would improve and anticipate welfare issues in this rapidly expanding sector.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Insects

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Euthanasia, Welfare indicators, Living environment, Stress

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European animal breeders vision for 2030

EFFAB - European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders

Published in 2024

Document from the European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders (EFFAB) stressing the importance of technological innovations to improve animal health, reduce environmental impacts and guarantee food safety.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Bovines, Caprines, Ovines, Porcines, Poultry

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Precision farming, Societal issues, environment, livestock farming system

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A Systematic Review on Management Practices Affecting Welfare in Male Calves: A Five Domains Model Approach

Tuberquia-López B.C., Álvarez Hernández, N., & Correa Valencia, N. M.

Published in 2024

Meta-analysis identifying practices such as ad libitum feeding, early intake of solid feed, housing in social groups and appropriate pain management as conducive to the welfare of veal calves, using a five-domain model approach.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Pain, Lactation, Housing, Mutilation, Weaning, Transport

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RENEWAL Webinar

Idele

Published in 2024

RENOUVEAU end of project webinar slides. The webinar included various speakers on the project's finidngs and what the future holds for the French veal industry.

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Livestock buildings, Societal issues, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Housing, Living environment, One Welfare, Carcass quality, livestock farming systemProcessing

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Sustainable poultry farming practices: a critical review of current strategies and future prospects

Ramesh Bahadur Bist, Keshav Bist, Sandesh Poudel, Deepak Subedi, Xiao Yang, Bidur Paneru, Sudhagar Mani, Dongyi Wang, Lilong Chai

Published in 2024

Overview exploring strategies for sustainable poultry farming such as organic farming, use of alternative proteins, biotechnological innovations and waste management to minimize ecological footprints and improve economic viability. The study calls for increased collaboration between researchers, policy-makers and professionals to promote ethical, sustainable and resilient poultry production for the future.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Livestock buildings, Education, Precision farming, Societal issues, Environment, Risk management, Housing, Living environment, Pollution, Carcass quality, Breeding and Rearing systems

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