From the beginning of 2026, new requirements for the welfare of calves (young cattle under 6 months of age) during their maintenance will come into effect in Ukraine, approved by the order of the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine dated 08.02.2021 No. 224.
The new requirements define the minimum conditions for keeping calves, in particular regarding the area required for movement and rest of the calves, lighting and ventilation of the premises, adequate bedding, feeding and access to clean drinking water. The requirements also require daily inspection of calves, and prohibit tethering of calves and individual housing after 8 weeks of age.
The requirements are mandatory for all farms that keep ten or more calves. Their purpose – ensure animal welfare, reduce the risk of disease and injury, and improve the quality of livestock products.
What will change for farms from January 1, 2026
- Farms that may not yet have complied with the requirements – will now be obliged to provide appropriate conditions for keeping calves.
- Not just large farms: any farm that keeps 10 or more calves must check whether it meets the established requirements.
- Farm owners and keepers are responsible for complying with animal welfare legislation and must be prepared for inspection by the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection.
What to do now
- Assess the conditions of keeping calves on your farm.
- Ensure that calf housing systems are appropriate for age, space, bedding, ventilation, lighting, and feeding and watering practices.
- If necessary, renovate the premises, install the necessary equipment, conduct staff training, and implement other corrective measures to meet requirements.
- Keep electronic or paper documents and records on the treatment of calves, as well as the number of deaths detected during each inspection. These documents and records must be kept for 3 years and be available to the inspector of the territorial body of the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection during the implementation of state control measures or at his request.
Implementation of these requirements – an important step towards harmonizing Ukrainian legislation with European legislation and increasing the level of responsible treatment of animals in agriculture.
With the support of Switzerland, within the framework of the Swiss-Ukrainian program "Development of trade with higher added value in the organic and dairy sectors of Ukraine" (Quality FOOD Trade Program), implemented by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL, Switzerland) in partnership with SAFOSO AG (Switzerland), the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection, an infographic has been created that highlights requirements for the welfare of calves during their keeping.
You can find various information materials on the welfare of farm animals on the official web portal of the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection: https://dpss.gov.ua/diyalnist/bezpechnist-harchovih-produktiv-ta-veterinarna-medicina/blahopoluchchia-tvaryn.