Calves
Supplementary decisions and interpretations
Following the conclusive formal adoption of these criteria, the supplementary decisions and interpretations below have been drafted in conjunction with the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals. These decisions/interpretations have not yet been formally adopted and, in the event of exceptional circumstances, are subject to change before being included in the established BLL criteria. In anticipation thereof, certification will be carried out on the basis of these supplementary decisions and interpretations.
Merger of criteria for white and rosé veal calves
The separate sets of criteria for white and rosé veal calves have expired when the revised/new Better Life label criteria for calves entered into force on 01-12-2022. The separate sets of criteria have been merged into one set. White veal calves are now longer be permitted under the terms of the Better Life label scheme. This means that rearing both white and rosé veal calves on one UBN will no longer be possible.
Example of a hygiene plan
The criteria for BLL calves stipulate a hygiene plan.
Hygiene measures must ensure that the risk of introducing and spreading diseases and pathogens is minimised. The aim is to keep the animals as healthy as possible, but also to ensure a good health status on the farms.
An example of a hygiene plan is shown below. This can be used as a template to create a hygiene plan on your farm.
Example Emergency Plan
The criteria for BLL veal calves stipulate an Emergency Plan. An example of an emergency plan, which you can use, is shown below.
GMP+ equivalent animal feed systems
The Better Life label criteria for livestock farms include the provision that feed must demonstrably originate from a GMP+ certified feed supplier or a supplier with an equivalent quality assurance system. The Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals accepts various quality assurance systems as an alternative to GMP+ certified animal feed.
The ‘Equivalent systems’ page lists quality assurance systems accepted by the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals as an alternative to GMP+ certification within the Better Life label scheme.