Development of a monitor and benchmark system - Care Young Animals
To improve the animal welfare and health and consequently lowering the losses (mortality) is a continuous point of attention for the farmer. To help the farmer, the SDa has been asked by the dairy cattle, pig, and dairy goat sector to develop an independent monitoring and benchmark system for the care of young animals. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality supports this.
The SDa, in collaboration with the aforementioned sectors, has proposed a project plan to develop an animal species-specific system that focuses on:
- Monitoring: obtaining an objective view of the care of young animals in the three sectors above.
- Benchmarking: the possibility for individual farmers to compare their own performance with their colleagues, thus allowing them to improve their care when necessary.
The project started in November 2022 and will take three years. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality finances the execution of this plan.