Cattle farming in Europe is conditioned by appropriate climatic and natural conditions, as well as the presence of a large number of natural pastures. The cultivation of many fodder plants results in the production of good feed.
There is ample evidence that animal welfare affects meat quality. Good treatment on the farm and during transport is crucial, as meat from stressed animals can be of lower value.¹
EU legislation on animal welfare aims to improve the quality of life for animals while meeting citizens’ expectations and market demand. The first EU regulations in this regard were adopted over 40 years ago and have been amended several times since. Member states can adopt stricter regulations as long as they are in line with EU legislation.
Animal welfare goals are also an important element of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). EU actions to improve animal welfare have achieved success in many areas.
What does calf rearing look like?
The most economical model is the one resulting from winter calving (January and February). In calves born by spring, the rumen develops to such an extent that grazing calves can fully utilize the pasture without the use of concentrate feeds and other feed additives, and daily gains will be fully satisfactory. The best quality beef is obtained when the genetic abilities of a given breed are fully utilized.
In feeding, which is the most important element of cattle fattening and constitutes 70% of the cost of fattening an animal, it is crucial that the feed rations are precisely balanced. Young cattle from birth to sexual maturity show a rapid growth rate. The greatest mass of muscle tissue is produced in animals fattened up to 18 months of age. As the animal ages, more fat is deposited, increasing the energy requirement. The amount of protein and fat deposited in the carcass depends on the age of reaching maturity.²
High quality and safety!
European farmers care about the natural growth of animals in good conditions. Their rich experience takes into account every aspect of quality, from product safety to nutritional value and great taste. Systems applicable to all farmers in the European Union, such as GMP, GHP, GAP, and HACCP, ensure risk minimization and constant supervision at every stage. This ensures that you choose safe and high-quality products!
1 https://op.europa.eu/webpub/eca/special-reports/animal-welfare-31-2018/pl/
2 http://podr.pl/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/L.-Szramowiak-hodowla-byd%C5%82a-mi%C4%99snego-ulotka.pdf
