The new publication promotes the implementation of good animal welfare practices in dairy production at a global scale. It refers to key international standards and provides guidelines to help dairy farmers and milk processors interpret and implement them based on scientific evidence and expertise.
It also identifies five Action Areas to be considered when developing and implementing quality management systems for dairy animal welfare, including stockmanship, feed and water, physical environment, husbandry practices and health management.
Caroline Emond, director general of the IDF, said, “Farmers know that healthy cows produce quality milk, and the dairy sector is wholly committed to developing progressive animal health and welfare initiatives that provide safe, nutritious and secure dairy products to global consumers.
“We are proud to contribute to the development of animal welfare expertise that brings benefits to animals, farmers and society.”
Monique Eloit, Director General of the OIE, said, “We welcome the new version of the IDF guidelines on animal welfare in dairy cattle, which will, in line with the OIE international Standards on welfare of terrestrial animals, certainly support the dairy industry to meet the increasing demand of our society for a high level of welfare for livestock production systems.”
Bukar Tijani, assistant director-general of the FAO, said the organization recognizes the importance of good animal welfare practices, which benefit the producers, their animals and the society as a whole, and support their implementation through a variety of awareness raising and capacity development activities, in partnership with several stakeholders.