Find out more about good practice when it comes to cow wellbeing and get information on available support and services.
Learn more about calf wellbeing good practice and find links to useful resources and available support and services.
Learn more about understanding biosecurity good practice and find links to useful resources and available support and services.
Broadly speaking, animal wellbeing describes how an animal experiences the world.
In the past, people mostly considered animal wellbeing as freedom from negative experiences like thirst, pain, discomfort, and fear.
These days, people recognise that we shouldn't simply aim to reduce negative experiences for animals, but also provide opportunities for them to have positive experiences.
It's important to take animal wellbeing seriously as it not only reflects ethical responsibility but also directly impacts the overall health and productivity of their your herd, leading to better quality milk and sustainable long-term success in the dairy industry.
The Animal achievement of The Co-operative Difference is designed to ensure that the relationship between you and your vet is strong and that animal wellbeing is actively planned for on your farm.
When you require extra support, trained DairyNZ animal care extension specialists and rural professionals can assist with farm management practices and systems.
If you have concerns about the wellbeing of the animals on any dairy farm, please contact Dairy NZ.
In New Zealand, minimum legal requirements for the care of animals are outlined in the Animal Welfare Act 1999, Codes of Welfare and Regulations.
To learn more about minimum legal requirements, visit MPI.