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Swiss dairy farmers are attentive to the well-being of their cows. Switzerland’s animal protection legislation is one of the strictest worldwide. It sets the minimum in terms of livestock rearing conditions. However, most dairy farmers comply with more stringent animal husbandry requirements. For example, they participate in the Federal animal welfare programme "RAUS" (regular open-air grazing) and "BTS" (particularly animal-friendly livestock housing), which stipulate stricter guidelines for animal farming.

For dairy cows as well, movement and social contact are important. Nearly 90% of cows already benefit from the RAUS programme and enjoy regular access to pasture or spend entire days in an exercise yard. The RAUS programme guarantees that animals have access to pasture 26 days per month in summer and 13 days per month in winter. Moreover, over half of the cows live in free-stalls that are BTS-compliant. Such stalls are characterised by daylight and littered resting areas that are accessible all day long. Dairy farmers must join at least one of the two programmes to earn the "swissmilk green" quality label for their milk.

In Switzerland, the social dimension inside the herd is a matter of course. Animal welfare and caring for our cows are the primary concerns for our dairy farmers. Average herd size in Switzerland is just 26 cows per farm. This allows for traditional grazing, characterised by a good ratio between the number of animals and forage area, unlike dairy farms abroad with over 1000 animals kept in a herd. A smaller number of animals also lets our dairy farmers forge closer ties with their animals. For example, in Switzerland every animal has a name, the most popular ones being Bella and Tulipe.

A cow only gives milk if it gives birth to a calf each year. Instead of keeping all of these calves for their own offspring, milk producers sell some of them after birth to farms specialising in meat production. These calves are treated with respect. The first days after birth are decisive for the calves’ health and welfare. However, this period is also economically important: a good start in these first few weeks also has a positive impact on later life. Letting the calves stay at least 21 days at the holding of birth gives their health and welfare a boost.

Livestock farming isn’t only about factors like milk yield – it also involves the outside appearance. In the industry jargon we call this the "extérieur". At cattle shows, animals are judged on their outside appearance. The legal provisions for animal welfare must also be respected at all times at such events. Farmers undertake to ensure the welfare and protection of their animals. Consequently, each participant must comply strictly with the exhibition regulations of the Federation of Swiss Cattle Breeders (ASR).

It is essential for all livestock farmers to remain abreast of the pregnancy stage of their cows – indeed, this is a key aspect of herd management. Farmers record cows’ pregnancy status in writing on the accompanying documents, a measure which prevents pregnant cows from being sent for slaughter.

The medical care of our cows is subject to clear specifications. The milk producer ensures that the use of medications is appropriate to the situation. Critical antibiotics are only administered with the approval of the veterinarian and in a targeted way.

The use of antibiotics has declined by 50 per cent over the past ten years. Furthermore, since 2018 there has been close cooperation with the Kometian Association, whereby member farmers receive rebates for taking complementary medical advice. This avoids the use of antibiotics.

The agricultural environmental performance record (ÖLN) is the foundation of environmentally friendly agriculture. The requirements of the ÖLN are demanding and cover all areas of sustainable production. They include requirements in the areas of animal-friendly husbandry, fertilisation, crop rotation, ecological compensation areas and appropriate soil protection. Strict compliance with these guidelines is one of the main reasons why the Swiss dairy industry excels in international comparison, particularly in the area of animal welfare.

For a farm, respect for the ÖLN implies adopting a holistic approach. For example, the soil must be cultivated in an ecologically sound manner and covered with crops or green manure all year round. This prevents erosion and promotes water storage potential, humus formation, rooting and leads to a regulated crop rotation. There are also guidelines for fertilisation. Over-fertilisation of the soil is not permitted, also to protect water bodies. Timely and regulated fertilisation also promotes soil fertility.

With respect to dairy cattle feeding, the following requirements apply for the sustainability brand "swissmilk green": those who use protein-rich soy meal as feed obtain it from sustainable production.

The "swissmilk green" brand guarantees that the feeding of dairy cattle is 100% free of palm oil and palm fat.

Perfect milking according to the lactation process and a well-functioning milking technique prevent udder diseases and promote milk quality, milk yield as well as animal welfare and animal health. Special regulations apply at national shows.