New DSF Animal Care Case study: Putting Cow Welfare into Practice

After more than a decade of collaboration, the Dutch dairy sector has developed a practical, objective way to monitor cow welfare. Based on the EU Welfare Quality® protocol and integrated into the existing CowCompass system, the Welfare Monitor uses an animal-focused approach that farmers can apply in everyday practice. Its strong uptake, with around 95% of Dutch dairy farmers participating, shows how sector-wide cooperation can turn welfare standards into meaningful action on farms.

The case study outlines the approach taken, the challenges they overcame and importantly the results. The Development of an Animal Welfare Monitor in the Netherlands DSF case study can be downloaded from the DSF Members Area of the website by Implementing, Aggregating and Stage 1 DSF members.

Many thanks to DSF member, the Dutch Sustainable Dairy Chain, for sharing the details for a case study.