Good news. Last week we visited Wijntjes calf collection station in Friesland, where young calves are actually provided with milk through teats during their stay. That may sound like common sense, but unfortunately it is still the exception rather than the rule. At most collection centres in the Netherlands, EonA discovered that calves are offered only electrolytes during … [Read more...] about Visit to a Calf Collection Station That Feeds Milk to Calves
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Visit to pig assembly centre Van Rooi in Lieshout (NL)
Today we paid an unannounced visit to the pig assembly centre Van Rooi in Lieshout (NL). We were immediately given a tour of the lairage, where sows were being housed at the time. The animals were calm and resting, with enough space to lie on their sides without disturbing one another. The sawdust bedding was clean and fresh, and the overall impression was positive. Van … [Read more...] about Visit to pig assembly centre Van Rooi in Lieshout (NL)
Debunking the myth: milk during transit does not cause diarrhea in calves
In the northern Netherlands, we teamed up with veterinarian and calf feeding expert Dr. Ronald Rongen to tackle a persistent myth in the cattle sector: that feeding milk to calves in transit causes diarrhea. Most Dutch calf traders and farmers think that giving milk to unweaned calves in transit causes diarrhea, and thus withhold milk for very long periods. … [Read more...] about Debunking the myth: milk during transit does not cause diarrhea in calves
Welfare concerns at yearly cattle market in Schagen (NL)
Once again, this year’s Easter cattle market in Schagen (NL) raised serious concerns about animal-welfare. Many animals exhibited clear signs of cold stress and fear. Several cattle slipped and fell while being sprayed with water—an experience that is both painful and terrifying for prey animals like cattle, who instinctively fear being on the ground, where they feel most … [Read more...] about Welfare concerns at yearly cattle market in Schagen (NL)
Visit to Leeuwarden livestock market: improvements visible, some concerns remain
On 19 March, we paid an unannounced visit to the cattle market in Leeuwarden. The market management immediately made time to show us around. The market appeared well organised: all cattle were housed in groups (except for the bulls), there was plenty of clean straw, the air was fresh, and water was available in every pen. Compared to a few years ago, the condition of … [Read more...] about Visit to Leeuwarden livestock market: improvements visible, some concerns remain
Visit to the calf market in Leeuwarden: concerns about extended periods without milk
On 18 March, we paid an unannounced visit to the calf market in Leeuwarden. We were immediately welcomed and, as always, given the opportunity to observe the calves. The market appeared well organised: calves were housed in groups, there was plenty of clean straw, and the handling of the animals was calm. We also observed good practices, such as drivers placing straw on … [Read more...] about Visit to the calf market in Leeuwarden: concerns about extended periods without milk
Visit to calf assembly centre De Skieding in Houtigehage (NL)
On the evening of 18 March, we paid an unannounced visit to assembly centre De Skieding in Houtigehage (NL). At the time, unweaned calves were being collected. The owner spoke with us in a friendly manner but preferred to take some time to consider allowing us access to his assembly centre. We fully understand this, as the company is not yet familiar with our … [Read more...] about Visit to calf assembly centre De Skieding in Houtigehage (NL)
Visit to calf assembly centre De Vries in Scharnegoutum (NL)
On the evening of 18 March, we paid an unannounced visit to the assembly centre De Vries in Scharnegoutum (NL). We observed that calves were being collected for further fattening. The owner immediately made time for us and gave a short tour. The calves were housed in groups, with plenty of clean straw. Overall, the facility gave a well-maintained impression. Most calves … [Read more...] about Visit to calf assembly centre De Vries in Scharnegoutum (NL)
Visit to Van Rooi assembly center in Lieshout (NL): focus on slaughter piglets
Today, Eyes on Animals conducted an unannounced visit to the Van Rooi assembly center in Lieshout. The purpose of our visit was to gain more insight into the export of slaughter pigs and sows. These so-called “end-of-career animals” deserve extra attention in our view, as their condition is often suboptimal. Sows are usually culled due to fertility problems or reduced … [Read more...] about Visit to Van Rooi assembly center in Lieshout (NL): focus on slaughter piglets
Work at Buipe cattle market, Ghana
Last week the Wacpaw/EonA team visited the Buipe livestock market in Ghana’s Savannah Region, one of the country's largest. Every Monday, 800 to 1000 cattle are brought in from across Ghana and neighboring countries like Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, with over 60 trucks leaving the market for various destinations. The transport methods—three-wheel mini trucks, Kia trucks, … [Read more...] about Work at Buipe cattle market, Ghana
