The cattle farms were able to get to know each other during the first virtual meetings in small groups at the end of January. Three small groups on dairy cattle and one small group on suckler cow husbandry and fattening were formed. In order to achieve the goal of intensive discussion and further development on the topic of animal welfare on their own farms, care was taken to ensure that the groups were heterogeneous in terms of farm structures. This ranges from geographical location to farm size.

The second round of network meetings was then held again in the existing small groups at the end of February/beginning of March. The status quo on the farms was analysed by the committed participants and lively discussions ensued. In order to identify cross-network issues that are important for all cattle farms, a survey was launched among the farms. This clearly showed that an exchange of ideas on improving lifetime performance and useful life in good health is just as important an issue as the critical question of what to do with male calves from dairy farming. Here, the network should mutually benefit each other, especially given the high degree of heterogeneity in terms of the conditions on the farms. New perspectives and ideas should be developed from the lively discussions.

Other topics of interest included cow-based rearing and low-stress handling of cattle. In addition to the ongoing small group meetings for collegial exchange, cross-network events with relevant technical input from experts will also be offered on these topics in the future. These events are intended to provide ample opportunity for the further development and implementation of animal welfare initiatives on farms.

Author: Gudrun Plesch, FiBL Deutschland e.V.