The practice of mutilations in beef cattle: exercise of the EFSA Networks on Animal Welfare

Abstract

The EFSA Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) Network includes two subgroups: the subgroup specialised on Animal Welfare (AW) and the subgroup of the scientific National Contact Points (NCPs) for scientific support established under Art 20 of Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009. In March 2024, during the annual meeting of the EFSA Network subgroups, EFSA conducted an information-gathering exercise on mutilation practices in beef cattle, including castration, disbudding, dehorning and tail docking, across different countries. Prior to the meeting, a questionnaire was distributed to the Network members to collect comprehensive data on these practices, including information on methods employed, age of the animals at which the procedures are performed, the individuals responsible for carrying the mutilation (including their qualification or training) and use of anaesthesia, sedation, and analgesia. Network members in the meeting discussed the questionnaire responses in depth, contributing with additional insights (e.g. on eventual measures adopted to reduce the need for mutilations) and clarifications. This exercise resulted in a comprehensive overview of current mutilation practices in beef cattle farming across the represented countries. The information included in this report will be considered for the risk assessment of the scientific opinion on the welfare of beef cattle on farm, expected to be delivered by the EFSA AHAW Panel in 2025.