 Original article by Mariska Varmaas Animal welfare is making history in the Netherlands. In early July 2025, a total of 11 stakeholders, including farmer organizations, processors and marketing organizations, retailers, social interest groups and the authorities, signed a roadmap towards better animal welfare in livestock production. The ambitions are thought to cost billions of euros. What will change? The rules for keeping dairy cattle, calves, pigs and poultry will be changed over the coming years in the Netherlands. The first phase will begin in 2027, with measures gradually taking effect towards 2040. Evaluations will be conducted in 2028, 2033, and 2038, before new regulations take effect in 2030, 2035, and 2040. Starting in 2027, all producers must develop a climate adaptation plan, outlining the measures the producer will take in extreme weather to prevent heat and cold stress. Dairy cattle Dairy cattle will get more space. Starting in 2027, there must be sufficient feeding areas for all animals, and animals must be able to groom their coats with tools such as brushes. As from 2028, cows must have unlimited access to roughage, and by 2030, to drinking water as well. As from 2030, at least one resting area per animal must be provided, and by 2035, tethered stalls will be prohibited. Starting in 2040, a cow must have 9m² of floor space per animal, 2m² more than the current average. Calves in individual pens must have at least 1.5m² of space per animal from 2027 onwards and must be able to have direct contact with other calves. From 2030 onwards, calves from 14 days of age must be group-housed. For calves up to 8 months of age, at least 2m² must be available from 2030 onwards, and 2.2m² for older calves. In 2028, the minimum transport age for calves will be increased from 14 to 28 days. What will not be legally required is to keep calves with cows or to provide pasture access, although both options will be encouraged. Dehorning will be prohibited from 2040 onwards. Calves For veal calves, a minimum floor area of 2m² per animal under 8 months of age and 2.2m² for calves over 8 months of age will apply from 2030. Calves must have permanent access to water and roughage. This will particularly impact white veal calves. A new standard for the minimum haemoglobin (Hb) level at slaughter of 5.3 mmol/l will be introduced for these animals in 2030, compared to the current 4.5 mmol/l. To meet their suckling needs, calves must be offered milk through a teat from 2030 onwards until at least 6 weeks of age. Animal-friendly livestock farming: 6 principles The agreement aims for what is called “animal-friendly livestock production”. A special council for animal affairs in the Netherlands established 6 guiding principles for animal dignity and animal welfare:
Original article written by Mariska Vermaas on Dairy Global animal welfaredairy cattlelivestock productionComments are closed.
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