Methodological guidance for the development of animal welfare mandates in the context of the Farm to Fork Strategy

Abstract

This document provides methodological guidance developed by the EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare to produce Scientific Opinions in response to mandates received from the European Commission in the context of the Farm to Fork Strategy. The mandates relate to the welfare of (i) animals during transport, (ii) calves, (iii) laying hens, (iv) broilers, (v) pigs, (vi) ducks, geese and quails, and (vii) dairy cows. This guidance was developed in order to define the methods and strategy to be applied for responding to the Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the mandates. The mandates each consist of a set of General ToRs which refer to the husbandry systems used in the production of each animal species or the current transport practices for free moving animals and animals transported in cages, and a set of specific ToRs for which difficulties in ensuring animal welfare have been identified and where specific scenarios are envisaged. Part I of the guidance includes a description of welfare consequences for the animals. Part II includes a new methodology for providing quantitative recommendations regarding animal welfare. The proposed methodology follows the assumption that the effect of an exposure variable (e.g. space allowance) on animal welfare can be quantified by comparing the expression of an animal-based measure (ABM) under 'unexposed conditions' (e.g. unlimited space) and under high exposure (e.g. restrictive conditions). The level of welfare as assessed through this ABM can be quantified for different levels of the exposure variable (e.g. at increasing space allowances) and quantitative recommendations can thus be provided. The final version of the methodological guidance was endorsed for public consultation, which took place between 14 February 2022 and 31 March 2022. The comments received are integrated in this document.

Welfare of broilers on farm

“…This Scientific Opinion follows the protocol detailed in the methodological guidance that was developed by the AHAW Panel to deal with all the mandates in the context of the farm to fork strategy revision (EFSA AHAW Panel, 2022b ) and only those aspects that are specific for the welfare of day‐old chicks, broiler chickens and broiler breeders are reported here.…”

“…The identification of welfare consequences followed the approach described in the methodology guidance (EFSA AHAW Panel, 2022b ). From the list of the 33 welfare consequences described the methodological guidance EFSA AHAW Panel ( 2022b ), the following 19 welfare consequences were identified as highly relevant for day‐old chicks, broiler chickens and broiler breeders in the current Scientific Opinion: Bone lesions Cold stress Handling stress Heat stress Gastro‐enteric disorders Group stress Inability to perform comfort behaviour Inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour Inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour Isolation stress Locomotory disorders Predation stress Prolonged hunger Prolonged thirst Resting problems Restriction of movement Sensory under and/or overstimulation Soft tissue lesions and integument damage Umbilical disorders and hernia …”

“…The general ToRs requested EFSA to answer five assessment questions, which were divided into more specific sub‐questions (EFSA AHAW Panel, 2022b ). The approach to develop the sub‐questions was based on using both evidence from the scientific literature and expert opinion.…”

“…The approach to identify relevant ABMs for these highly relevant welfare consequences, as well as hazards and preventive and corrective measures is described in the methodology guidance (EFSA AHAW Panel, 2022b ).…”

Welfare of pigs on farm

“…List of specific welfare consequences applicable to pigs on farm (adapted from EFSA AHAWPanel, 2022) …”