Animal welfare has become a core pillar of sustainable agricultural and livestock production. Society, consumers, the food market, and international legislation increasingly demand ethically produced products that ensure animals enjoy a dignified, safe, and natural life at every stage of farming.
COSMOCERT has developed the ANIMAL WELFARE Standard, a comprehensive, documented, and scientifically grounded private specification that verifies the level of animal welfare in livestock farms, from birth to slaughter.
Animal Welfare is a private standard that objectively assesses, using clear scientific criteria, the level of animal welfare in:
- livestock farms (cattle, sheep, and goats),
- dairy and meat production units,
- slaughterhouses,
- all facilities across the production chain.
The standard is based on the Five Freedoms of Animals, as defined by the Farm Animal Welfare Council:
✔ freedom from hunger and thirst
✔ freedom from discomfort and distress
✔ freedom from pain, injury, and disease
✔ freedom to express normal behavior
✔ freedom from fear and anxiety
At the same time, the standard adopts a modern approach that recognizes animals as sentient beings, requiring not only the avoidance of negative experiences but also the presence of positive experiences in their lives.
The Animal Welfare standard applies to:
Livestock Farms
- Beef cattle
- Dairy cows
- Sheep and goats
- Pigs
- Broiler chickens
- Laying hens
Slaughterhouses
Facilities that handle animals before and during slaughter, with specific requirements for handling, stunning, and slaughter conditions.
Processing Facilities
The Standard covers the entire production chain, including processing, standardization, transport, and/or storage facilities, such as:
- Dairies
- Milk collection and storage units
Strengthening Consumer Trust
The market increasingly demands ethically produced products and greater transparency regarding farming conditions. Certification enhances your reputation and market position.
Added Value for the Product
Products derived from animals raised under high welfare standards demonstrate better quality, higher credibility, and stronger market differentiation.
Collaboration with an Internationally Recognized Certification Body
Certification under COSMOCERT’s Animal Welfare (AW) Standard, part of the FoodChain ID Group, ensures international recognition and technical expertise.
Sustainability & ESG
Improved farming quality, responsible management, and a reduced environmental footprint support ESG strategies for modern businesses.
Tangible Benefits for Animals & Producers
Improved animal welfare has been proven to increase productivity, milk yield, overall animal health, and reduce losses.
Key Criteria of the Animal Welfare Standard – Evaluation Thematic Areas
- Animal origin & breed
- Health & veterinary care
- Management & husbandry practices
- Feed & water
- Housing & environment
- Milking & milk handling
- Transport
- Slaughter (where applicable)
