Animal welfare is certainly a delicate issue and the subject of extensive debates. It is useless to beat around the bush: not all farms work the same way. We hear about it every day and, like you, we are upset by those who do not care for or respect animals. But it is also true that, as the leading producer of Grana Padano in the world, Latteria Soresina needs an important quantity of good milk to meet its daily production. Our experience, together with scientific evidence, shows us that the well-being of our animals contributes to producing a qualitatively better milk because it is obtained from correctly raised and, therefore, healthy animals. This is why we want to tell you everything we do at Latteria Soresina, without filters or half-truths. Because it is the truth, nothing but the truth, that rewards us every day and allows us to bring the excellence of Latteria Soresina all over the world.
Animal welfare is particularly important to us, and not only due to an ethical question. It is scientifically proven, in fact, that an animal raised in full respect of its well-being produces more and better quality milk. Ensuring the welfare of our animals thus allows us to consume fewer resources and reduce CO2 emissions per litre of milk produced. But our commitment does not begin and end only with cattle breeding. For years, Latteria Soresina has been promoting a culture of sustainability, both in animal welfare and in respect for the environment. This is demonstrated by investments to minimise water consumption, alternative energy production systems and precision animal husbandry that allows for the rationalisation of consumption. The cultivation, maintenance and regeneration of the territory are activities that contribute to a sustainable environment over time, without which Latteria Soresina would not be the solid reality it has been for over a century.
A healthy cow produces much more and better quality milk
Fewer cows for the same amount of milk emit less CO2 per litre of milk produced
When it comes to factory farming, we are immediately led to think of cows raised in less than optimal conditions. Wouldn’t it be better to imagine a cow free and grazing? Sure, but it’s not that simple. Our company is located in the heart of the Po Valley, a rich and green land but a victim of torrid summers and long and rainy winters. The ideal climate for our cows, mainly of the Friesian breed, is around 5 degrees and each animal needs 80 litres of water per day in winter and 180 litres per day in summer. Allowing them to roam free in our countryside in these climatic conditions would not give them the right environment to live in. For this reason, we guarantee all animals large and comfortable environments in our farms (some of their enclosures reach the size of a football field!) with full freedom to move, play and socialise. These are controlled, hygienic and ventilated spaces, at ideal temperatures, with the use of fans and cooling in the summer and comfortable closed stalls and sheltered from the weather in the winter. Here our cows receive fresh water at will, medicine, vaccines and a balanced and carefully studied diet for each group in the herd: from young animals to pregnant cows up to those in production.
Large and comfortable spaces, often with access to the outside, with full freedom of movement
Constant hydration with fresh water and controlled through annual analyses
Continuous medical check-ups and the use of drugs and vaccines
Always ideal temperatures in all seasons
Well-balanced and controlled diet based on traced ingredients (cereals, proteins and fodder)
All our breeder partners have signed a real supply chain pact. Each stable is certified according to the ClassyFarm ministerial standard. An authoritative and independent system created by Mipaaf – Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies – and by the Ministry of Health to monitor animal welfare and correct administration of drugs according to strict regulations. It is essential to follow a detailed check-list to obtain the certification which asks, among other things, to respect the 5 fundamental freedoms of the animal.
For us, animal welfare is not just a label, but a concrete and verifiable commitment. All of over our 200 stables are classified according to the ClassyFarm standard. But to ensure you that we comply with every rule, we have decided to involve another external and accredited body, the CSQA controlled by Accredia, which has the task of verifying and certifying all our obligations and the application of the rules.
We ask for a lot of good milk from our cows, which we can only get if we guarantee them the right well-being and leave them free to behave naturally also on the farm. In fact, each animal must ruminate from 7 to 10 hours and needs between 11 and 15 hours rest. They are milked twice a day for no more than 2 hours overall, grouping the cows in order to avoid the stress of standing too much. Each of our breeders has a veterinarian on the farm who checks the health and welfare conditions of the animals.
Only milked twice over 2 hours
Many hours for rumination and rest
Specific veterinarian often every day
All our breeders must comply with the strict Grana Padano production regulations which establish, among many guidelines, the fodder and ingredients that can be used in animal rations. In addition, each ration is subject to the supervision of a nutritionist who calculates the right amount of fibre, protein, energy and any vitamin supplements. A controlled supply chain which, passing from food traceability, has made Latteria Soresina a recognised company as well as the leading producer of Grana Padano in the world.
Only fodder with local raw materials
A specific nutritionist to calculate the correct ration for each meal
Most of our farms are equipped with special brushes to clean our cows. The animal, when it wants, passes under the rollers which, when activated, begin to rotate, brushing the hide and removing the old one. No regulation imposes it on us but we use them anyway. Because for us, being breeders is not just a job: it is a real passion that we put into raising, caring for and respecting our animals every day. Many of us know our animals one by one, and establish a respectful pact with them which is the very foundation of breeding. And it is this passion that makes us proud to be part of Latteria Soresina.
Daily pampering between brushes
Our cows give birth 2 to 3 times on average. Also in this case, knowing how to guarantee our animals a high level of well-being makes them live longer. Many of our breeders have given them a much longer life than any average: some cows in fact have reached the venerable age of 11! Because Latteria Soresina means love and passion for this work first and foremost.
