Critical control points (CCP) for the housing and management of calves

The paper summarises basic and applied research on the indoor housing of calves under conventional conditions. Construction requirements, animal behaviour, animal health and hygiene, climatic conditions as well as management factors were considered. There is still some potential for extra daily routine work for the motherless rearing of calves, especially for the colostrum management, the treatment of calves and on the attitude of the caretaker towards their animals with its consequences for the handling and care responsibilities. In addition, an overview on the past assessment systems for the welfare and health of calves is given. Critical control points (CCP) for the on-farm assessment of calf housing are provided on the basis of the current best knowledge and on existing legal welfare requirements. These control points are intended to be used by the farmer or the monitoring agencies as a manual tool to avoid failures in the housing systems and care deficits that may cause health damage or behavioural problems.

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