What is this?

These industry guidelines help ensure the welfare of newborn calves.

A calf must receive sufficient colostrum or good quality commercial colostrum substitute, along with suitable liquid feeds until the rumen has developed sufficiently to allow it to utilise solids as the sole feed source.

Premature calves that are unlikely to survive, or calves that have debilitating congenital defects, must be humanely destroyed.

Calves must be handled gently and moved in a manner which minimises distress and avoids injury, bruising or suffering.

These industry guidelines help ensure the welfare of newborn calves.

A calf must receive sufficient colostrum or good quality commercial colostrum substitute, along with suitable liquid feeds until the rumen has developed sufficiently to allow it to utilise solids as the sole feed source. More

Why is it important?

Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 you have a number of obligations to meet a good standard of animal care and welfare.

Newborn and young animals are vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions and poor management. Consequently, ALL calves require special attention to ensure they are healthy and to allow their individual needs to be assessed.

Calves destined for the abattoir must receive the same standard of care as calves being kept as replacement stock.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 you have a number of obligations to meet a good standard of animal care and welfare.

Newborn and young animals are vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions and poor management. Consequently, ALL calves require special attention to ensure they are healthy and to allow their individual needs to be assessed. More

What do I need to do?

Follow recommended good practice to make sure your staff know what to do.

Follow recommended good practice to make sure your staff know what to do. More

IMPORTANT!

You should seek professional or legal advice with any matters involving legislation.

Health & Welfare progress

Calf Husbandry

Do you and your staff have a full knowledge of the good practice guidelines for calf husbandry?