Flanders launches Scientific Reference Centre for Farm Animal Welfare
The Flemish government’s Animal Welfare Department and the Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO) have launched the website of the Scientific Reference Centre for Farm Animal Welfare. RefWel aims to consolidate and share scientific knowledge on farm animal welfare, serving as a hub for up-to-date data, research and training.
RefWel's primary mission is to support evidence-based policymaking and improve animal welfare by collecting and sharing data systematically. The centre's first major task is to monitor the welfare of farm animals in Flanders, beginning with laying hens, pigs, broiler chickens and cattle.
The centre will collect objective data to track trends, inform policy decisions and direct further scientific research. In the future, RefWel intends to extend its remit to encompass other livestock species.
Workshops and exchanges
Training is a key part of RefWel's work. The centre will offer bespoke workshops and courses for professionals in the livestock sector, including farmers, transporters, slaughterhouse workers and vets.
RefWel also intends to maintain active exchanges with other European reference centres in order to stay up to date with international developments in animal welfare science and policy.
Flanders is one of the most livestock-dense regions in Europe. In 2023, the region housed 1.23 million cattle, 5 million pigs and 46.8 million poultry. The highest livestock densities were in West Flanders, Noorderkempen, Meetjesland, Waasland, Pajottenland and northern Limburg.
The average cattle density in Flanders was 0.91 per hectare, which was higher than the Belgian average (0.73), the average in Wallonia (0.6) and the EU average (0.18). Only the Netherlands reported a higher cattle density (1.00), while Finland had the lowest (0.02).
Pig density in Flanders was 3.7 per hectare, significantly exceeding the Belgian (1.75) and EU (0.32) averages. The Netherlands followed with 2.78 pigs per hectare, while Finland had the lowest density again (0.03).
Poultry density in Flanders reached 34.4 birds per hectare, with the highest concentrations in West Flanders and the Noorderkempen and elevated levels in Meetjesland, Waasland and northern Limburg.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO DAVID STOCKMAN / BELGA
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