Current EFN Activities

The three major areas of activity are:

1. The development of a series of case studies to document improved animal welfare in the context of sustainable food. The current target areas for case studies are tails on pigs, beaks on laying hens, higher welfare indoor chicken systems and sustainable dairy cows. These case studies are currently in preparation and will be posted soon.
2. The development of links in other countries across mainland Europe. EFN visited Wageningen and Utrecht Veterinary school in Holland this spring and have made links into innovative farming systems in the country. In addition links have also been made with Spain and we have a visiting veterinarian at FAI for 3 months this summer who will study the importance of grazing to dairy and beef cattle. A further visit to Europe is planned for the autumn.
3. Contributions to the UK Calf and Poultry Forums. EFN is now heading up the colostrum pillar for the Calf Forum. The aim of this pillar is to promote systems of regular measurement of colostrum in dairy calves. Studies show that, although the benefits of colostrum are well understood, in practice many calves have inadequate levels which increases the risk of disease and raises mortality levels.