Animal welfare in large dairy herds: a survey of current practices

摘要

To gam insight into the farm practices and animal welfare issues on large dairy herds, we conducted a postal survey (n = 132). The questionnaire covered four areas: demographics, stand-off practices management during extreme weather, and races. Respondents managed 910 ± 466 (mean ± SD) milking cows during the 2003 season. When asked to identify the most important animal welfare problem on their farm, 73% of the respondents named one of the following: lameness, disease, or nutrition/growth. Fifty-one percent of respondents used some form of stand off area during periods of inclement weather. There are several management practices used with stand-off areas that are relevant to animal welfare including: provision of feed, shelter, space allowance, and surface type During extreme winter and summer weather, a range of practices was used to manage cows, including changes in grazing patterns For example, 61% of respondents used paddocks closer to the milking shed and 40% used sprinklers at the shed during hot weather. Finally, on average, cows walked 1.9 ± 0.8 km to the milking shed, and walking distance increased with the number of cows/farm. Farmers demonstrated awareness of animal welfare issues and implemented management practices that likely improve the well-being of their stock.