Results of the EIP Mountain Dairy Cattle Project 2020–2021: Animal Welfare Assessment

The FarmLife-Welfare-Index assesses animal welfare on 32 dairy farms across three domains: housing conditions, management practices, and individual animal health. Data is collected online via famlife.at, with scores weighted by time spent in functional areas like lying boxes, exercise areas, and pasture. The index evaluates factors including space availability, air quality, lighting, hygiene, and health indicators such as lameness and skin condition. Seven farms were assessed pre- and post-stall renovation, showing significant improvements in welfare outcomes. The tool supports evidence-based decisions to enhance housing, management, and animal well-being.