Welfare state of dairy cows in three European low-input and organic systems

Abstract

Animal welfare in organic and low-input dairy cow systems is commonly expected to achieve at least satisfactory levels. This assumption is based on the regulations regarding housing and management of the animals and/or the access to pasture. The aim of the present study was to evaluate 30 dairy farms in three European countries using the Welfare Quality® assessment protocol in order to characterize these systems and evaluate whether expectations regarding the state of welfare are met. Farms were found to have mainly an acceptable and enhanced overall welfare state. In general, weak points found related to the presence of injuries and discomfort of the lying areas of the cows. In some countries, specific problems such as mutilations, poor human-animal relationship or insufficient water provision were identified. Variation between farms showed that on one hand, farms could benefit from intervention studies and, on the other hand, that good and even excellent results are possible in organic and low-input dairy systems.