Discipline: Zootechnics

A survey on management of milk feeding, weaning and housing of conventional and organic dairy calves in Europe

Otten, N.D., Welk, A., Jensen, M.B.

Published in 2025

Results of a scientific survey on dairy calf management in Europe. It suggests that there are discrepancies between research recommendations and current practices regarding milk quantity and feeding frequency, as well as weaning. Legislative or industry recommendations are mainly followed in organic production in a small proportion of countries.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

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Main Husbandry Practices and Health Conditions That Affect Welfare in Calves: A Narrative Review

Eva Mainau, Laurent Goby, Xavier Manteca

Published in 2025

Review summarizing current knowledge on farming practices that affect calf welfare, from birth to departure from the farm, highlighting the importance of colostrum, feed, housing and pain management.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

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Impacts of Reduced Stocking Density on Broiler Welfare During Transport: Evidence from a Hungarian Study Under Moderate Climatic Conditions

László Szőllősi, Dániel Fróna, Laura Mihály-Karnai, Attila Csorbai

Published in 2025

Hungarian study showing that the reduction in  the transport density of broiler chickens recommended by the EFSA to improve their welfare can nevertheless result in higher mortality, and more injuries and condemned carcasses. The results suggest that increasing the space allowance does not necessarily improve welfare under moderate temperature conditions and that further research is required.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Poultry

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Productive and welfare parameters in trimmed laying hens: A systematic review-meta-analysis

Henrique Sonda Gallina, Maria Eugênia Andrighetto Canozzi, Pietra Viertel Molinari, Juahil Martins de Oliveira Júnior, Ivan Bianchi, Fabiana Moreira, Débora Cristina Olsson, Paula Gabriela da Silva Pires, Javier Sanchez, Vanessa Peripolli

Published in 2025

Meta-analysis comparing the effects on laying hens of beak trimming with a hot blade or  infrared radiation. The infrared method would appear to be a less invasive option, but further studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Poultry

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Systematic Literature Review on Donkeys (Equus asinus): Husbandry and Welfare in Europe

Masebo NT, Benedetti B, Angeloni MG, Lee L, Bigi D, Padalino B.

Published in 2025

Review of 97 European studies showing that donkeys are mostly kept in extensive or semi-intensive systems, often with access to the outdoors. Nevertheless, recurrent management, nutritional and health problems (obesity, dental disorders, hoof problems) still compromise their welfare, stressing the need for specific care guidelines based on scientific data.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Equines

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Animal welfare and meat quality: The impact of on-farm slaughter on Cinta senese pigs

Roxana Elena Amarie, Jacopo Goracci, Laura Casarosa, Sara Tinagli, Giorgio Briganti, Giampaolo Giunta, Matteo Senese, Giuliana Terracciano, Francesca Campeis, Alessio Del Tongo, Andrea Serra

Published in 2025

Study showing that on-farm slaughtering significantly reduces physiological stress in pigs and improves certain meat characteristics, without compromising microbiological safety. This method appears to be a sustainable and ethical alternative for use in free-range or small-scale farming.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

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Assemblée nationale : réponse écrite à la question n°7524 : Interdiction de l’élevage en cage 

Question: Mr Charles Fournier (Indre-et-Loire (1st district) - Écologiste et Social). Answer: Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty

Published in 2025

Government answer to a question raised by a Deputy on the urgent need to ban cage farming in France, reminding the government of its unfulfilled commitments and of the strength of public expectations. In it, the government reaffirms its support for an end to the use of cages as part of a progressive Europe-wide approach, based on scientific, economic and social analysis. France will support the transition through the provision of research, aid to farmers and consultation with all stakeholders.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Poultry

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Invited review: Development of a dairy barn concept to improve animal welfare

R. Wulf, S. Demba, V. Röttgen, J. Langbein, S. Düpjan, B. Weise, S. Rose, A. Sixt, J. Harms, I. Steinhöfel, H.-S. Bruckert, P.A. Guhl, M. Heppelmann, S. Jahn, M.J. Oettler, T. Homeier-Bachmann, L. Bachmann

Published in 2025

Study presenting the "future dairy barn" (FEL) concept, designed to better integrate the behavioral and social needs of dairy cattle. This alternative breeding model aims to sustainably improve their well-being while meeting societal expectations.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

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Biology, husbandry systems and farm practices for American mink, red and Arctic foxes, raccoon dog and chinchilla kept for fur production - EFSA

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Maria Díez-León, Sabine Dippel, Sandra Edwards, Angela Schwarzer, Denise Candiani, Michaela Hempen, Eliana Lima, Claudia Millán Caravaca, Neil J. Tirchett, Yves Van der Stede, Marika Vitali, Mette S. Herskin

Published in 2025

EFSA technical report updating its 2001 analysis of the welfare of animals bred for their fur (mink, fox, raccoon dog, chinchilla), incorporating recent data on these animals' biology and the production cycles and farming methods used.

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories: Mammals

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Welfare of beef cattle

EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW)

Published in 2025

EFSA opinion assessing the risks to beef cattle welfare associated with the environment, rearing practices and mutilation. It proposes concrete recommendations (space, feeding, enrichment, ABM in slaughterhouses). Emphasis is placed on pain prevention, the social stability of animals, and improved stabling conditions and access to the outdoors.

Document Types: Opinions

Animal categories: Bovines

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