informative.

transparent.

conscious.

Minimum requirements for animal welfare programmes

By establishing minimum requirements for the various levels of animal husbandry, we are creating a clear framework and a straightforward classification system for producers and consumers.

Compliance with the relevant minimum requirements and the additional programme criteria is strictly monitored by the accredited programmes. This allows us to ensure the highest possible level of safety for trade and consumers.

Below are the minimum requirements for each Haltungsform level per animal species, as currently in effect during the transition from the 4-stage to the 5-stage farming method labeling. Further details on the changeover can be found here.

Program
Space requirements	minimum area of loose housing per animal up to 150 kg 1,5 m² up to 220 kg 1.7 m² up to 400 kg 1.8 m² over 400 kg 2.2 m²	minimum area of loose housing per animal up to 150 kg 1,5 m² up to 220 kg 1.8 m² up to 400 kg 2.5 m² over 400 kg 3m²	minimum area of loose housing per animal up to 150 kg 1,5 m² up to 220 kg 2 m² up to 400 kg 3 m² over 400 kg 4m²	minimum area of loose housing per animal bis 100 kg 1,5 m² up to 200 kg 2.5 m² up to 400 kg 4 m² over 400 kg 5m² but at least 1m²/100 kg	minimum area of loose housing per animal up to 100 kg 1.5 m²; up to 200 kg 2.5 m²; up to 350 kg 4 m²; over 350 kg 5 m², but at least 1 m²/100 kg
Housing	stable housing; free-range housing if possible tethering	free-range housing or for oxen and heifers: combined housing¹ with grazing (at least 120 days of 2 hours each) or with an exercise yard or exercise pen with at least 4.5 m² per animal. The exercise area must consist of at least 16 m² of contiguous space. for bulls: no tethered housing	free-range housing with an exercise yard that can be used all year round (at least 3 m² per animal in the exercise yard) or free-range housing with grazing (at least 120 days of 6 hours each) or open-front playpen no tethered housing	Free-range housing with permanent access to outdoor runs: exercise yard (at least 3m²/animal) or pasture no tethered housing	Free-range housing with outdoor runs or pasture no tethering*
Dehorning of calves, if practised on the farm	< 6 weeks: by farmer; with pain relief	< 6 weeks: by farmer; with pain relief	< 6 weeks: by farmer; with pain relief	dehorning only in exceptional cases even for calves younger than 6 weeks only after anaesthesia by a vet; pain relief is required	dehorning only in exceptional cases even for calves younger than 6 weeks only after anaesthesia by a vet; pain relief is required
Feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	feed without genetic engineering or regional feed during the fattening phase, but at least 6 months before slaughter	feed without genetic engineering at least 60% of feed from own farm or from the region at least 60% of the dry matter in the daily ration must be fresh, dried or silage roughage during the fattening phase, but at least 6 months before slaughter	exclusively feed without genetic engineering feed must come from organic production At least 70% of feed must come from the farm itself or from the region at least 60% of the dry matter in the daily ration must be fresh, dried or silage roughage
Animal health monitoring	recording of diagnostic data in the abattoir (enter into the QS database) expert antibiotics monitoring (enter into the QS database) the following applies to both: mandatory for all businesses by 2023	recording of diagnostic data in the abattoir (enter into the QS database) expert antibiotics monitoring (enter into the QS database)	recording of diagnostic at the slaughterhouse qualified antibiotic monitoring recording in a central database comparable to the QS system	recording of diagnostic at the slaughterhouse qualified antibiotic monitoring recording in a central database comparable to the QS system
Inspection frequency²	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	inspection of all companies by independent certification bodies, according to the ITW inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, at least once a year	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, at least once a year	official inspection of all com- panies in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or culti- vation association, at least once a year
verpflichtende Programmteilnahme	QS or als vergleichbar anerkannt	Initiative Tierwohl or als vergleichbar anerkannt	The programme requires either delivery authorisation for ITW Stall plus Platz or a standard recognised by ITW Sas comparable. Alternatively, the programme defines comparable requirements and has these checked via its own audits.		Certified according to EU Organic Regulation or in accordance with the requirements of organic farming associations that guarantee a higher quality standard than the EU Organic Regulation.
Additional information	*According to the EU Organic Regulation, combined husbandry (= seasonal tethered husbandry) is permitted in certain cases ¹Transitional solution; in the medium term, the aim is to accept tethered housing only in combination with seasonal grazing. ² Applies to all reclassified programmes and newly classified programmes. Programme classification lasts 3 years. Before, or at the latest, at the end of these 3 years, all programmes must meet the minimum audit requirements. Animals must be kept in these conditions no less than 6 months prior to slaughter. On March 27, 2026, the EmpCo Directive will be transposed into national law with the Drittes Gesetz zur Änderung des Gesetzes gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (UWG). Therefore, only those programs that fully comply with the requirements of the EmpCo Directive or the UWG will be classified as holding arrangements.

As of March 2026

Program
Space requirements	minimum area per animal 30-50 kg: 0,5 m² 50-110 kg: 0,75 m² over 110 kg: 1,0 m²	minimum area per animal 30-50 kg: 0,563 m² 50-110 kg: 0,844 m² over 110 kg: 1,125 m²	open-fronted sty¹: 30-50 kg: 0,7 m² 50-120 kg 1,3 m² over 120 kg: 1.5 m sty with permanent access to outdoor areas²: 30-50 kg 0,7 m² 50-120 kg 1,1 m² over 120 kg: 1,4 m²	minimum area per animal ² 30-50 kg: 0,75 m², of which 0,25 m² is in the outdoor area 50-120 kg: 1,5 m², of which 0,5 m² in the outdoor area over 120 kg: 2,3 m², of which 0,8 m² is in the outdoor area	minimum area per animal < 110 kg: 1.3 m² in the shed and 1 m² outdoor area > 110 kg: 1,5 m² in the sty and 1.2 m² outdoor area
Housing	indoor	indoor with crate structuring, at least 3 elements per crate	indoor with outdoor climate stimuli: open-fronted sty or sty with permanent access to outdoor areas	indoor with constant access to outdoor areas or free-range housing	indoor with constant access to outdoor areas or free-range housing
Enrichment	organic, raw fiber-rich activity material	organic, raw fiber-rich activity material additional roughage	organic, raw fiber-rich activity material additional straw (as litter or roughage) or comparable material	organic, raw fiber-rich activity material additional straw (as litter or roughage) or comparable material	organic activity material: straw or similar substrates digging material in the outdoor area
Feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	feed without genetic engineering or At least 70% of feed raw materials from the EU throughout the entire fattening phase	feed without genetic engineering and At least 20% of feed from own farm or from the EU throughout the entire fattening phase	exclusively feed without genetic engineering feed must come from organic production at least 30% feed from own farm or from the region
Animal health monitoring	participation in QS diagnostic data monitoring or in monitoring recognised by QS as comparable participation in QS antibiotic monitoring or in a monitoring programme recognised by QS as comparable	participation in QS diagnostic data monitoring or in monitoring recognised by QS as comparable participation in QS antibiotic monitoring or in a monitoring programme recognised by QS as comparable	participation in a diagnostic data monitoring programme participation in antibiotic monitoring antibiotics monitoring the following applies to both: Central recording, evaluation, benchmarking and feedback in accordance with the QS system	participation in a diagnostic data monitoring programme participation in antibiotic monitoring antibiotics monitoring the following applies to both: Central recording, evaluation, benchmarking and feedback in accordance with the QS system
Inspection frequency¹	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	inspection of all companies by independent certification bodies, according to the ITW inspection system	inspection of all companies by independent certification bodies, according to the ITW inspection system	inspection of all companies by independent certification bodies, according to the ITW inspection system	inspection of all companies in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or cultivation asso ciation, at least once a year
Prerequisite	Eligibility of delivery of the compa-nies for QS or a standard recogni-zed by QS as comparable	Delivery authorisation for companies for ITW Stall plus Platz or a standard recognized by ITW as comparable	Delivery authorisation for companies for a programme registered in the Haltungsform. Even if programmes are mutually recognised, these pro-grammes must be registered for the respective Haltungsform-level. The programme requires either delivery authorisation for ITW Stall plus Platz or a standard recognised by ITW Sas comparable. Alternatively, the programme defines comparable requirements and has these checked via its own audits.		Delivery authorisation for companies in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or in accordance with the requirements of organic farming associations, which guarantee a higher quality standard than the EU Organic Regulation.
Additional information	¹1 In open-front stys, animals may be provided with a smaller unrestricted usable floor area (the same as in a sty with permanent access to outdoor areas), provided that this does not conflict with animal welfare considerations ²The outdoor area can only be counted towards the minimum area if it is permanently available (e.g. designed in such a way that it does not have to be closed in the event of an animal disease outbreak). These updated requirements apply immediately to the classification of new programmes. to the classification of new programmes. Existing programmes must implement the requirements ab dem 1.Juli 2026 at the latest. On March 27, 2026, the EmpCo Directive will be transposed into national law with the Drittes Gesetz zur Änderung des Gesetzes gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (UWG). Therefore, only those programs that fully comply with the requirements of the EmpCo Directive or the UWG will be classified as holding arrangements.

As of March 2026

Program
Space requirements	max. 58 kg/m² toms max. 52 kg/m² hens	max. 53 kg/m² for toms max. 48 kg/m² for hens	max. 41 kg/m² for toms max. 37 kg/m² for hens	max. 31 kg/m² toms max. 28 kg/m² hens	max. 21 kg/m² max. 2,500 animals per shed
Housing	indoor	indoor	indoor housing with permanent access to outdoor climate area	indoor housing with access to outdoor area	indoor housing with access to outdoor area
Shed structure		modifiable structural elements: 1 square/round bale per 400 m² of shed floor area or non-modifiable structural elements (tables, side elements): minimum seating area of 1.85 m² in total per 400 m² of shed floor area or part thereof	modifiable structural elements: 1 square/round bale per 400 m² of shed floor area or non-modifiable structural elements (tables, side elements): minimum seating area of 1.85 m² in total per 400 m² of shed floor area or part thereof	modifiable structural elements: 1 square/round bale per 400 m² of shed floor area or non-modifiable structural elements (tables, side elements): minimum seating area of 1.85 m² in total per 400 m² of shed floor area or part thereof	perches or raised seating levels in the shed: Min. 10 cm per animal for perches or 100 cm² per animal for raised levels corresponds to approx. 7 m² raised seating levels per 400 m² shed floor area
Enrichment	dry litter suitable for pecking, scratching and dust bathing	additional activity material made of changeable and consumable material such as straw, pecking stones at least 1 item per 400 m² of usable shed area	additional activity material made of changeable and consumable material such as straw, pecking stones at least 2 items per 400 m² of usable shed area, at least 2 objects	additional activity material made of changeable and consumable material such as straw, pecking stones per 400 m² of usable shed area at least 2 items	additional litter in the form of straw, wood shavings, sand or peat on at least 1/3 of the shed floor area
Breeding line	robust and healthy breeding lines	robust and healthy breeding lines	robust and healthy breeding lines slow-growing breeds (weight gain max. 110 g/day) or fast-growing breeds, provided the minimum slaughter age of 140 days (cocks) or 100 days (hens)	robust and healthy breeding lines slow-growing breeds (weight gain max. 110 g/day) or fast-growing breeds, provided the minimum slaughter age of 140 days (cocks) or 100 days (hens)	robust and healthy breeding lines slow-growing breeds (weight gain max. 110 g/day) or fast-growing breeds, provided the minimum slaughter age of 140 days (cocks) or 100 days (hens)
Feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	feed without genetic engineering or at least 100 % of feed raw materials from the EU throughout the entire fattening phase, but at least 10 weeks prior to slaughter	feed without genetic engineering and at least 20 % of feed raw materials from the own farm or the EU throughout the entire fattening phase, but at least 10 weeks prior to slaughter	exclusively feed without genetic engineering feed from organic production at least 30% from own farm or from the region
Animal health monitoring	participation in QS diagnostic data monitoring or in monitoring recognised by QS as comparable participation in QS antibiotic monitoring or in a monitoring programme recognised by QS as comparable	participation in QS diagnostic data monitoring or in monitoring recognised by QS as comparable participation in QS antibiotic monitoring or in a monitoring programme recognised by QS as comparable	participation in diagnostic data monitoring participation in antibiotic monitoring the following applies to both: Central recording, evaluation, benchmarking & feedback com- parable to the QS system	participation in diagnostic data monitoring participation in antibiotic monitoring the following applies to both: Centralised recording, evalua- tion, benchmarking and feed- back in accordance with the QA system
Inspection frequency	inspection of all companies by independent certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, according to the ITW inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, according to the ITW inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, according to the ITW inspection system	inspection of all companies in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or cultivation association, at least once a year
Prerequisite	Companies must be authorised to supply QS or a standard recognised by QS as comparable	Delivery authorisation for companies for ITW Stall Plus Platz Stall plus Platz or a standard recognized by ITW as comparable	Delivery authorisation for companies for a programme registered in the Haltungsform Even if programmes are mutually recognised, these programmes must be registered for the respective Haltungsform-level. The programme requires either delivery authorisation for ITW Stall plus Platz or a standard recognised by ITW as comparable. Alternatively, the programme defines comparable requirements and has these checked via its own audits.		Delivery authorisation for companies in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or in accordance with the requirements of organic farming associations, which guarantee a higher quality standard than the EU Organic Regulation.
Additional information	These updated requirements apply These updated requirements apply immediately to the classification of new programmes. to the classification of new programmes. Existing programmes must implement the requirements by 1 July 2026 at the latest. On March 27, 2026, the EmpCo Directive will be transposed into national law with the Drittes Gesetz zur Änderung des Gesetzes gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (UWG). Therefore, only those programs that fully comply with the requirements of the EmpCo Directive or the UWG will be classified as holding arrangements.

As of March 2026

Program
Space requirements	max. 39 kg/m²	max. 35 kg/m²	max. 29 kg/m² with an outdoor climate area of at least 20% of the usable shed floor area max. 30 kg/m² with an outdoor climate area of at least 30% of the usable shed floor area	max. 25 kg/m²	max. 21 kg/m²
Housing	indoor	indoor	indoor housing with permanent access to outdoor climate area	indoor housing with access to outdoor area	indoor housing with access to outdoor area
Shed structure		raised levels in the shed (e.g. jumping tables, perches or straw bales) on at least 5% of the shed floor area (corresponds, for example, to 2 m of perches per 45 m² of shed floor area or 1 high-pressure bale per 90 m² of shed floor area)	raised levels in the shed (e.g. jumping tables, perches or straw bales) on at least 5% of the shed floor area (corresponds, for example, to 2 m of perches per 45 m² of shed floor area or 1 high-pressure bale per 90 m² of shed floor area)	raised levels in the shed (e.g. jumping tables, perches or straw bales) on at least 5% of the shed floor area (corresponds, for example, to 2 m of perches per 45 m² of shed floor area or 1 high-pressure bale per 90 m² of shed floor area)	perches or raised seating levels in the shed: At least 5 cm per animal for perches or 25 cm² per animal for raised levels corresponds to approx. 1.89 m² of raised level per 90 m² of shed floor area
Enrichment	dry litter suitable for pecking, scratching and dust bathing	additional activity material made of changeable and consumable material such as straw, pecking stones 1 item per 100 m² of usable shed area or 1 pick object per 2,000 animals	additional activity material made of changeable and consumable material, such as straw, pecking stones 2 items per 150 m² of usable shed area or part thereof or per 2,000 animals 3 bales of straw or hay and per 1,000 animals 2 pecking objects	additional activity material made of changeable and consumable material, such as straw, pecking stones 2 items per 150 m² of usable shed area or part thereof or per 2,000 animals 3 bales of straw or hay and per 1,000 animals 2 pecking objects	additional litter in the form of straw, wood shavings, sand or peat on at least 1/3 of the shed area
Breeding line	robust and healthy breeding lines	robust and healthy breeding lines	robust and healthy breeding lines slow-growing breeds from the list provided	robust and healthy breeding lines slow-growing breeds from the list provided	robust and healthy breeding lines slow-growing breeds (maximum weight gain 45 g/day) 45 g/Tag) or fast-growing breeds, provided the minimum slaughter age of 81 days is observed
Feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	feed without genetic engineering or at least 100% of feed raw materials from the EU throughout the entire fattening phase	feed without genetic engineering and at least 20 % of feed raw materials from the own farm or the EU throughout the entire fattening phase	exclusively feed without genetic engineering feed from organic production at least 30% from the own farm or the region
Animal health monitoring	participation in QS diagnostic data monitoring or in monitoring recognised by QS as comparable participation in QS antibiotic monitoring or in a monitoring programme recognised by QS as comparable	participation in QS diagnostic data monitoring or in monitoring recognised by QS as comparable participation in QS antibiotic monitoring or in a monitoring programme recognised by QS as comparable	participation in diagnostic data monitoring participation in antibiotic monitoring the following applies to both: Central recording, evaluation, benchmarking & feedback com- parable to the QS system	participation in diagnostic data monitoring participation in antibiotic monitoring the following applies to both: Central recording, evaluation, benchmarking & feedback com- parable to the QS system
Inspection frequency	inspection of all companies by independent certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, according to the ITW inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, according to the ITW inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, according to the ITW inspection system	official inspection of all com- panies in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or culti- vation association, at least once a year
Prerequisite	Companies must be authorised to supply QS or a standard recognised by QS as comparable	Delivery authorisation for companies for ITW Stall Plus Platz Stall plus Platz or a standard recognized by ITW as comparable	Delivery authorisation for companies for a programme registered in the Haltungsform Even if programmes are mutually recognised, these programmes must be registered for the respective Haltungsform-level. The programme requires either delivery authorisation for ITW Stall plus Platz or a standard recognised by ITW as comparable. Alternatively, the programme defines comparable requirements and has these checked via its own audits.		Delivery authorisation for companies in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or in accordance with the requirements of organic farming associations, which guarantee a higher quality standard than the EU Organic Regulation.
Additional information	These updated requirements apply These updated requirements apply immediately to the classification of new programmes. to the classification of new programmes. Existing programmes must implement the requirements by 1 July 2026 at the latest. On March 27, 2026, the EmpCo Directive will be transposed into national law with the Drittes Gesetz zur Änderung des Gesetzes gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (UWG). Therefore, only those programs that fully comply with the requirements of the EmpCo Directive or the UWG will be classified as holding arrangements.

As of March 2026

Program
Space requirements	max. 20 kg/m²	max. 20 kg/m²	max. 20 kg/m² or 25 kg/m² barn floor area if there is permanent access to open areas	max. 20 kg/m²	max. 21 kg/m²
Housing	indoor systematic surgical procedures on animals, such as beak or claw trimming, are not permitted	indoor; with daylight (Window or light strip min. 3% of the floor area of the housing) systematic surgical procedures on animals, such as beak or claw trimming, are not permitted	open-fronted housing or indoor housing with permanent access to a winter garden or open area for the entire fattening period the open area must be at least half the size of the housing area for a housing area of 25 kg/m² systematic surgical procedures on animals, such as beak or claw trimming, are not permitted	indoor housing with permanent access to outdoor climate area for at least half of the animal's life the area must be predominant- ly covered with vegetation 2 m² of green space per animal systematic surgical procedures on animals, such as beak or claw trimming, are not permitted	indoor housing with access to outdoor areas for at least one third of the animal's life the area must be predominant- ly covered with vegetation minimum of 4.5 m² of outdoor space per animal systematic surgical procedures on animals, such as beak or claw trimming, are not permitted
Enrichment	dry litter suitable for rooting and activity	fresh litter every day additional organic activity material; provided in racks or nets	fresh litter every day additional organic activity material; provided in racks or nets	fresh litter every day additional organic activity material; provided in racks or nets	at least one third of the floor area must be covered with litter material in the form of straw, wood shavings, sand or peat
Water	nipple drinkers or other similar drinkers	additional drinkers that allow the ducks to submerge their entire head (at least one drinker per 250 animals)	additional drinkers that allow the ducks to submerge their entire head (at least one drinker per 250 animals)	in addition to the drinkers: access to open water for swim- ming, e.g. pond, stream, lake or artificial water basin (at least one water point per 1,000 animals, at least 8 cm deep and at least 1.2 m² in size)	in addition to the drinking troughs: access to open water for swimming, e.g. pond, stream, lake or artificial water basin (provided that weather and hygiene conditions permit)
Breeding line	robust and healthy breeding lines	robust and healthy breeding lines minimum slaughter age 35 days	robust and healthy breeding lines minimum slaughter age 42 days	robust and healthy breeding lines slow-growing breeds minimum slaughter age 49 days	robust and healthy breeding lines slow-growing breeds minimum slaughter age 49 days
Feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	feed without genetic engineering or regional feed minimum 70% grain content in the ration throughout the entire fattening phase	feed without genetic engineering minimum. 25% from own farm or from the region 75% grain content in the ration throughout the entire fattening phase	exclusively feed without genetic engineering minimum 30% from own farm or region fresh, dried or silage roughage must be added to the daily ration
Animal health monitoring	recording of diagnostic data at the slaughterhouse (entry into the QS database) expert antibiotics monitoring (enter into the QS database)	recording of diagnostic data at the slaughterhouse (entry into the QS database) expert antibiotics monitoring (enter into the QS database)	recording of diagnostic data at the slaughterhouse qualified antibiotic monitoring recording in a central database comparable to the QS system	recording of diagnostic data at the slaughterhouse qualified antibiotic monitoring recording in a central database comparable to the QS system
Inspection frequency¹	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	official inspection of all com- panies in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or culti- vation association, at least once a year
Prerequisite	QS or als vergleichbar anerkannt	ITW or recognised as comparable or als vergleichbar anerkannt	Participation in a programme registered with the rearing method labelling scheme		Certified according to EU Organic Regulation or in accordance with the requirements of organic farming associations, which guarantee a higher quality standard than the EU Organic Regulation.
Additional information	The criteria apply to fattening (from the 16th day of life) Perforated floors or slats are only permitted below the drinking troughs. ¹Applies to all programmes that are newly classified. The classification of programmes is valid for a period of 3 years. At the latest after these 3 years have expired, all programmes must meet the minimum requirements for the inspection frequency. On March 27, 2026, the EmpCo Directive will be transposed into national law with the Drittes Gesetz zur Änderung des Gesetzes gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (UWG). Therefore, only those programs that fully comply with the requirements of the EmpCo Directive or the UWG will be classified as holding arrangements.

As of March 2026

Program
Space requirements	nutzbare Bodenfläche: 1st–4th animal: 1,500 cm² 5th–10th animal: 1,000 cm² 11th–24th animal: 850 cm² From 25th animal: 700 cm² (ab 2024) zusätzlich muss eine erhöhte Ebene vorhanden sein: mind. 300 cm²/Tier	nutzbare Bodenfläche: 1st–4th animal: 1,650 cm² 5th–10th animal: 1,100 cm² 11th–24th animal: 935 cm² From 25th animal: 770 cm² zusätzlich muss eine erhöhte Ebene vorhanden sein: mind. 300 cm²/Tier auf einer Höhe von mind. 27 cm. die Gesamtgröße der erhöhten Ebene darf max. 40% der nutzbaren Bodenfläche betragen.	Minimum area per animal. Usable floor area: 1st–4th animal: 2100 cm² 5th-10th animal: 1400 cm² 11th–24th animal: 1190 cm² From 25th animal: 980 cm² zusätzlich muss eine erhöhte Ebene vorhanden sein: mind. 300 cm²/Tier auf einer Höhe von mind. 27 cm. die Gesamtgröße der erhöhten Ebene darf max. 40% der nutzbaren Bodenfläche betragen.	Minimum area per animal. Usable floor area: 1st–4th animal: 3000 cm² 5th-10th animal: 2000 cm² 11th–24th animal: 1700 cm² From the 25th animal: 1400 cm² zusätzlich muss eine erhöhte Ebene vorhanden sein: mind. 300 cm²/Tier auf einer Höhe von mind. 27 cm. die Gesamtgröße der erhöhten Ebene darf max. 40% der nutzbaren Bodenfläche betragen.	Minimum area per animal. Usable area (without platforms): fixed housing: 2,000 cm² Mobile housing: 1,500 cm² zusätzlich muss eine erhöhte Ebene vorhanden sein: mind. 300 cm²/Tier auf einer Höhe von mind. 27 cm. die Gesamtgröße der erhöhten Ebene darf max. 40% der nutzbaren Bodenfläche betragen.
Housing	Stable/cage housing Minimum usable floor space: Legal minimum standard of 8000 cm² per housing unit	Group housing Group size min. 10 rabbits Pen open at the top, no wire floors es müssen mind. 2 aufeinander folgende Hoppelsprünge ermöglicht werden. Deswegen sollte eine Seite nach Möglichkeit mindestens 1,8 m lang sein. mind. 5% Tageslichteinfall (bezogen auf die Stallgrundfläche) für Neubauten (= Gebäude, die nach dem 11.08.2014 genehmigt oder in Nutzung genommen worden sind)	Group housing with outdoor climate, e.g. conservatory, outdoor run Open front sty Group size min. 20 rabbits Pen open at the top, no wire floors es müssen mind. 2 aufeinander folgende Hoppelsprünge ermöglicht werden. Deswegen sollte eine Seite nach Möglichkeit mindestens 1,8 m lang sein. mind. eingestreute Fläche: 0,05 m²/Tier strukturierte Umgebung mit Fress-, Ruhe- und Aufenthaltsbereich geeignete Versteckmöglichkeiten (Röhren/Höhlen)	Group housing with permanent access to open-air runs/fields or free-range housing Group size min. 20 rabbits Pen open at the top, no wire floors die Außenfläche in Einrichtungen mit festen Ställen muss so gebaut sein, dass erhöhte Plattformen in ausreichender Zahl, gleichmäßig über die Mindestfläche verteilt sind. mind. 50% der Gesamtfläche in dauerhaft verfügbarem befestigten Außenbereich or pasture area: 10 kg/m² and 2 m² of green space per animal Year-round exercise/pasture area: max. 3.3 kg/m² bei Weide-/ Freilandhaltung: Überdachte Fressstände und Nisthütten geeignete Versteckmöglichkeiten (Röhren/Höhlen) es müssen mind. 2 aufeinander folgende Hoppelsprünge ermöglicht werden. Deswegen sollte eine Seite nach Möglichkeit mindestens 1,8 m lang sein	Group housing with permanent access to open-air runs/fields or free-range housing nutzbare Auslauffläche/ Tier (ohne Plattformen): fester Stall: 2.000 cm² mobiler Stall: 4.000 cm² trockene Verlege- und Ruhebereiche, keine perforierte Bauweise. geeignete Versteckmöglichkeiten (dunkel, Röhren/Höhlen) erhöhte Ebene (drinnen und draußen)
Enrichment	jederzeit Zugang zu grob strukturiertem Raufutter/Heucobs and suitable nailing material e.g. wood/branches	jederzeit Zugang zu grob strukturiertem Raufutter/Heucobs and suitable nailing material e.g. wood/branches	jederzeit Zugang zu grob strukturiertem Raufutter/Heucobs and suitable nailing material e.g. wood/branches	jederzeit Zugang zu grob strukturiertem Raufutter/Heucobs and suitable nailing material e.g. wood/branches	Jederzeit Zugang zu grob strukturiertem Raufutter, wenn nicht genug Gras vorhanden and suitable nailing material e.g. wood/branches
Breeding line	robust and healthy breeding lines	robust and healthy breeding lines	robust and healthy breeding lines	robust and healthy breeding lines	robuste und gesunde Zuchtlinien, die an die Haltung im Freien angepasst sind
Feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS-recognised feed	QS-approved or QS-recognised feed feed without genetic engineering or regional feed throughout the entire fattening phase	QS-approved or QS-recognised feed (if purchased) or Bio/Öko-Futtermittel feed without genetic engineering at least 60% from own farm or from the region throughout the entire fattening phase	exclusively feed without genetic engineering feed from organic production mind. 70% aus eigener Erzeugung oder der Region. Grundfutter muss mindestens 60 % der Futtermittel ausmachen
Animal health monitoring	in dem jeweiligen Programm muss ein dokumentiertes Tiergesundheitsmonitoring implementiert sein, welches die Befunddatenerfassung am Schlachthof, die Mortalitätsraten und den Antibiotikaeinsatz auf dem Betrieb beinhaltet.	in dem jeweiligen Programm muss ein dokumentiertes Tiergesundheitsmonitoring implementiert sein, welches die Befunddatenerfassung am Schlachthof, die Mortalitätsraten und den Antibiotikaeinsatz auf dem Betrieb beinhaltet.	in dem jeweiligen Programm muss ein dokumentiertes Tiergesundheitsmonitoring implementiert sein, welches die Befunddatenerfassung am Schlachthof, die Mortalitätsraten und den Antibiotikaeinsatz auf dem Betrieb beinhaltet.	in dem jeweiligen Programm muss ein dokumentiertes Tiergesundheitsmonitoring implementiert sein, welches die Befunddatenerfassung am Schlachthof, die Mortalitätsraten und den Antibiotikaeinsatz auf dem Betrieb beinhaltet.
Inspection frequency¹	Inspection of all companies by independent certification bodies at least every 3 years	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, at least once a year	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, at least once a year	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, at least once a year	official inspection of all com- panies in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or culti- vation association, at least once a year
Prerequisite	Participation in a programme registered with the rearing method labelling scheme				Certified according to EU Organic Regulation or in accordance with the requirements of organic farming associations, which guarantee a higher quality standard than the EU Organic Regulation.
Additional information	The animals must be kept under these minimum conditions for the entire period from weaning to transport to slaughter (applies to all stages). ¹Applies to all programmes that are newly classified. The classification of programmes is valid for a period of 3 years. At the latest after these 3 years have expired, all programmes must meet the minimum requirements for the inspection frequency. On March 27, 2026, the EmpCo Directive will be transposed into national law with the Drittes Gesetz zur Änderung des Gesetzes gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (UWG). Therefore, only those programs that fully comply with the requirements of the EmpCo Directive or the UWG will be classified as holding arrangements.

As of March 2026

Program
Space requirements	playpen with cubicles: animal to cubicle ratio 1:1	playpen with cubicles: animal to cubicle ratio 1:1 or playpen without cubicles: over 350 kg LG minimum area 4 m² per animal (lying and walking area)	playpen with cubicles: animal to cubicle ratio 1:1 or playpen without cubicles over 350 kg LG minimum area 5 m²/animal (lying and walking area) or 1,000 m² grazing area/animal	playpen with cubicles: animal to cubicle ratio 1:1 or playpen without cubicles: over 350 kg LG minimum area 6 m²/animal (lying and walking area)	playpen with cubicles: animal to cubicle ratio 1:1 or playpen without cubicles: over 350 kg LG minimum area 6 m²/animal (lying and walking area)
Housing	indoor, preferably loose housing or combination housing	free-range housing or combination housing¹ with access to pasture (at least 120 days for 2 hours each day) or with an exercise yard or exercise pen with at least 4.5 m² per animal. The exercise area must consist of at least 16 m² of contiguous space.	playpen husbandry with an exercise yard that can be used all year round (at least 3 m² per animal in the exercise yard) or open-front playpen or playpen with pasture (at least 120 days of 6 hours each) no tethered housing	free-range housing with year-round access to outdoor exercise area (at least 3 m² per animal in the exercise yard) and grazing (at least 120 days of 6 hours each) no tethering	free-range housing and grazing (exercise) whenever conditions permit no tethering*
Dehorning of calves, if practised on the farm	< 6 weeks: by farmer; with pain relief	< 6 weeks: by farmer; with pain relief	< 6 weeks: by farmer; with pain relief	dehorning only in exceptional cases even for calves younger than 6 weeks only after anaesthesia by a vet; pain relief is required	dehorning only in exceptional cases even for calves younger than 6 weeks only after anaesthesia by a vet; pain relief is required
Komforteinrichtung		scratching brush in the playpen husbandry or on the exercise area in combined housing	in the playpen husbandry: Scrubbing brush	in the playpen husbandry: Scrubbing brush
Feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS- recognised feed	exclusively QS-approved or QS- recognised feed	feed without genetic enginee- ring or regional feed may be used	feed without genetic enginee- ring at least 60% of the feed from the farm or from the region. at least 60% of the dry matter in the daily ration must be fresh, dried or silage roughage	feed without genetic enginee- ring at least 70 % of feed from the farm or from the region feed must come from organic production at least 60% of the dry matter in the daily ration must be fresh, dried or silage roughage
Animal health monitoring	recording of diagnostic data in the abattoir (enter into the QS database) expert antibiotics monitoring (enter into the QS database) the following applies to both: mandatory for all businesses by 2026 at the latest	recording of diagnostic data in the abattoir (enter into the QS database) expert antibiotics monitoring (enter into the QS database)	recording of diagnostic data in the abattoir expert antibiotic monitoring recording in a central database comparable to the QS system	recording of diagnostic data in the abattoir expert antibiotic monitoring recording in a central database comparable to the QS system
Inspection frequency²	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	inspection of all companies by neutral certification bodies, in accordance with the QS inspection system	official inspection of all com- panies in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or culti- vation association, at least once a year
Mandatory programme participation	QS or als vergleichbar anerkannt	ITW or recognised as comparable or als vergleichbar anerkannt	Participation in a programme registered with the rearing method labelling scheme		Certified according to EU Organic Regulation or in accordance with the requirements of organic far-ming associations that guarantee a higher quality standard than the EU Organic Regulation.
Additional information	*According to the EU Organic Regulation, combined husbandry (= seasonal tethered husbandry) is permitted in certain cases ¹Transitional solution; in the medium term, the aim is to accept tethered housing only in combination with seasonal grazing. ² Applies to all programmes that are being reclassified. The classification of the programmes is valid for a period of 3 years. At the latest after these 3 years have expired, all programmes must meet the minimum requirements for the inspection frequency. All animals covered by the respective programme must be kept under the conditions from the initial inspection onwards. The milk from these animals may only be marketed after successful initial auditing in the relevant programme. On March 27, 2026, the EmpCo Directive will be transposed into national law with the Drittes Gesetz zur Änderung des Gesetzes gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (UWG). Therefore, only those programs that fully comply with the requirements of the EmpCo Directive or the UWG will be classified as holding arrangements.

As of March 2026

Download Haltungsform criteria HERE .

informative.

transparent.

conscious.

Minimum requirements for animal welfare programmes

The 5 levels

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