Switzerland: expert report ‘Conflict of interest between animal welfare and environmental protection using the example of stable floors in cattle farming’

On 29 September 2024, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) published the expert report ‘Conflict of interest between animal welfare and environmental protection using the example of stable floors in cattle farming’, which was prepared in collaboration with the Veterinary Public Health Institute and the University of Bern. The floor conditions in the exercise area of cattle sheds and the dung removal system are therefore crucial for hoof health, sure-footedness, the degree of soiling and the behaviour of the animals. They also influence the release of ammonia (NH₃), which has a negative impact on the environment and on human health. In Switzerland, 93% of NH₃ emissions in 2020 were attributable to agricultural animal husbandry. The report summarises the current state of research on potential conflicts between environmental protection and animal welfare. For example, it is stated that the slightly more comfortable rubber flooring for cattle, compared to concrete slatted floors, does not cause an increase in NH₃ emissions. Rather, it depends on an intensive slurry and manure removal system (folding/hinged/combination scrapers and robots) and a 3% slope of the floor in the cattle shed to reduce environmentally harmful emissions. Overall, the authors of the study conclude that – with a focus on NH₃ and without further encroachment on animal welfare – there would be no major conflicts of interest between animal welfare and environmental protection aspects in the design of the walkway surface and the manure removal system. The report is based on scientific studies, specialist publications and reports from agricultural extension services.