[Animal welfare guideline of Lower Saxony for the keeping of dairy cows].

In May 2007 a working group passed a guideline, which deals with requirements for the indoor keeping of dairy cows to perform Article 2 of the animal welfare legislation. The guideline should support the local district veterinary authorities and the stockman in the animal welfare judgement both of new and rebuilding as well as already existing stables. Whereas for new buildings minimum standards for the protection of cows are put together and beyond that additional recommendations for more "cow comfort" are given, for old buildings only standard values are presented. The guideline mentioned especially those aspects, which from previous experience always gives cause for discussion. For example: size and construction of cubicles, width and floor design of passageways or the relation between the number of animals and the number of feeding places and cubicles. All together the guideline enables the local district veterinary authorities in Lower Saxony to judge the keeping of dairy cows following equal standards. This leads to confidence in planning and investment for the livestock owners.