Welfare 2016

• Bobby calves must be fed, kept in suitable shelter, and handled with due care. As of next year, a ramp must be available for them to walk up to the truck.
• Euthanasia by blunt force trauma is not allowed. Personnel must be trained and competent to use a firearm or captive bolt.
• Hip lifters are to be removed if the cow cannot promptly support her own weight.
• Cows must not be transported where her weight is taken entirely by the hip clamps/vehicle.
• Cows supported in a sling must be able to breathe freely, not suffer unnecessary discomfort, and be lowered if they are not supporting their own weight within one hour.
• If they are still recumbent after 48 hours, a vet examination is recommended - we can check for dislocated hips or other diagnosis, give a prognosis, or feedback on welfare.
• Animals must be fit for Transport. Calves must be at least 4 days old, healthy, able to stand with a dry navel and fed within 2 hours. Adult cattle must be bearing weight evenly on all 4 legs; if they are lame or have any health issue, a vet may issue a certificate only if they meet certain criteria.
• Milk letdown must not be stimulated by insertion of water or air into the vagina.
• It is best practice to have an Animal Health Plan written in consultation with your vet. This provides an opportunity to go over husbandry skills, to plan ahead, and formalize decision trees for mastitis, lameness, calvings and recumbent cows for example.