1. The Beter Leven label a success story October DVM Anke Sitter MSc
Personal introduction

2. Animal welfare label since 2007
Goal:
Improvement animal welfare via market/businesses by animal welfare
Label for much animals as possible.
Success:
The animal welfare label has proven in years to create a perspective for farmers, retailers and consumers to contribute to a more sustainable income, image, and consumption.
Precondition:
NO excesses! in animal welfare
with participants of the label
Consumer Trust
Ultimate proof of the label!
In my presentation I like you to take along the experiences, we build over the last 11 years. The first years that the label was introduced to the market, were needed for building trust in the label en its results. According to ‘Top-labels’ – a trademark for labels - right now, BLK is the most known label by consumers in the Netherlands, concerning animal welfare and integrating sustainability step by step. Only about 10% of sustainability labels reach the standard “Top-label”. BLK is the biggest label for animal products.
Important key to success on farmers and producers site was the choice to improve animal welfare in recognizable, feasible steps, creating more animal welfare for a higher market share. In 2017, 31mln animals lived under better conditions, of which 24 mln were broilers.
In the last years, we learned, that participants in the label create a higher income (some 10%) for themselves, leaving them with more space for even more investments in welfare and sustainability.
Another learning point: producers as consumers as well find 5 to 25% higher costs acceptable.

3. Levels of animal welfare e.g. Broilers
slower growing breeds,
more space,
enrichment,
covered outdoor run
+ free range chickens
1m2
organic (live at least 81 days, 4m2 outside/bird)
comparable animal welfare (+70 days with slow growing breed)
Label Rouge
One thing for sure: legislations is not enough to guaranty animal welfare for production animals. The Beter Leven label set standards above legal requirements, aiming for important welfare improvements. Which also have effect on sustainability.
The only way, it was possible to put a successful label in the market was by partnerships with the industry and retailers, building a trustworthy chain, supported by independent assurance. Partners were looking for niches on Corporate Social responsibility. Together we worked on building consumer awareness.

4. Results for broilers
Slower growing breeds (max. 45g/day): less foot pad lesions, less mobility problems
Lower stocking density (max. 25kg/m2) more space to roam
Different feed lower protein level
Controlled ventilation (incl. alarm systems!) : lesser induced respiratory problems
covered runs daylight
Enrichment (straw, scattered grain) more activity, more natural behaviour
Healthier birds Less need for medication
The requirements, even at the lowest level of the label, address welfare issues with impact on animal health and the environment, thus effects also human health.
Required slower growing breeds – not by feed restriction! - , lower stocking density and enrichment material result in healthier chicken, more natural behavior and finally in lesser use of antibiotics. Because of a growing market demand, breeding companies develop slower growing breeds; independently tested, getting acknowledged by animal welfare trademarks and organic farming.
An other aspect is starting with stronger chickens. New hatching methods with immediately providing feed and water to the hatched chickens enable that. Or hatching within the stable, leaving out transport stress. It’s not (yet) required, but shows possibilities to further AB reduction.
The required covered runs not only provide space for roaming, but maybe more important: daylight and FRESH AIR. Better breathing for the birds as the humans as well.
70% grain

5. Lower AB use in non-conventional farms
Source: SDA report 2017
To support the results I claimed, let me tell you this:
In NL, the broiler branch is the fastest one in decreasing AB use.
The figures show that – ad median – the AB use with alternative kept broiler is zero! Even de AB use in the 10% worst alternative farms is lower than on average in conventional farming.
On the chart, you see that much more alternative farmers, like under BLK, use much less AB then traditional farms. Farms with zero-use AB are NOT EVEN on the chart!
The SDA report – The SDA is the official authority in NL -mentions slow growing breeds and lower stocking density as reason for lower AB use. [as required for BLK], One of our partners claims, that 97% of BLK broilers are AB free, but that’s not backed up by independent research.
They also link the fact only on production for the national market. The same development is not seen with producers for export.
Also with BLK we see same: the curve of growing participation starts to flatten: Reason therefor is:
70% of the Dutch production is for export (mainly Germany) ~> to reach those farmers, too, acceptance of labels across borders becomes important.
The label is not (yet) recognised across borders, which basically means, the farmer can not re-earn their investments in a better farm management. Reason for us to look for international collaboration, as for instance in the project with the German Tierschutzbund for harmonisation / mutual acknowledgements.

6. Sustainability
Farmers with the label more concise in their choices, in animal welfare as also in sustainability.
Good farm management required with the label supports sustainability
Lower stocking density less odour
Healthier chicken healthier colons, dryer litter, less emission
Limited duration of animal transport (3 hours) less impact on environment
In our definition of sustainability, it includes impact on the environment, biodiversity, use of resources and animal welfare as well. As far as possible, we try to work on an holistic approach of sustainability, of course with a specific focus on animal welfare (that’s our core!)
The animal based house design, as required with BLK, leads to development of more integrated sustainable stables. Example is the 3star- Windstreek.
Hatch covers in the stable decrease energy use for heating for a relevant portion. The stable is build in a way, natural ventilation is sufficient, forced ventilation is not needed.
And as we talk sustainability, I like to share the example of Kipster, too. Actual, not a broiler farm, but one for laying hens.
They started, again, from scratch, looking at the purpose of animal protein in our food, the needs of the animals and cutting down environmental impact as far as possible. Let me just mention some of their choices:
White breeds of chickens need lesser feed
Feed only left over of organic bakeries, mix with oil
Their solar panels produce more energy then they need for the stable.
They collect rainwater to use it as much as possible in the stable.
After a production round the litter get composed and sold as gardening soil
They hatch their eggs on side
The covered court imitates a natural environment, at some level, with trees, wood etc.
Kipster is packing the eggs on side and deliver them directly to retail.
Air filters remove above 90% of fine dust.
Is a model how stables for poultry should be developed, these days.
Beeld: Kipster!

7. On the research agenda we placed, for instance
Further development of slaughter and on farm killing methods
Looking into support for biodiversity, wildlife and birds in outdoor space, starting with cattle.
Meaning, we do not have all the answers, but we have 11 years of experience and development.
We love to share!
Visit of several countries in the last 12 month, There is definitely an interest for our experience and results.
We love to develop.
Thank you for your attention.
Lets watch: Windstreekstal Raalte