The three stars of animal welfare: an analysis of the ‘Beter Leven’ label using the Five Domains Model
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2025-06-20
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en
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As global demand for animal products continues to rise, concerns about animal welfare are becoming more urgent, especially in the Netherlands, which has the highest livestock density in the world. This thesis explores to what extent animal welfare in Dutch livestock farming can be improved through the Beter Leven label, a certification used in supermarkets to indicate higher welfare standards. The research combines scientific insights from the Five Domains Model, which looks at nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state, with practical knowledge from interviews.
The label’s criteria were compared to the Five Domains Model to see how well it reflects a full view of animal welfare. In addition, interviews were held with farmers, researchers, and a representative from an animal welfare organization to understand how the label works in practice. These conversations also highlighted how differently people define animal welfare and how political and social pressures influence farming systems. This combination of theory and practical experience offers a deeper look into the role of labeling in improving animal welfare in the Netherlands.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen