Physical Environment - Minimum Standards

There are 4 Minimum Standards from the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare that outline requirements for the physical environment of cattle in a range of situations and conditions.

Dairy cattle in New Zealand pastoral systems are exposed to the effects of the weather (heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind). Given the feed supply meets their nutritional requirements adult dairy cows can usually handle arising changes in weather conditions very well (vulnerable stock such as young calves and sick animals need more shelter in adverse weather conditions).

It is important to have management plans in place to provide shelter and/or shade in case weather extremes occur that are likely to cause welfare risks.

All farm facilities, including the milking shed, stand-off areas and feed pads, as well as any kind of housing need to be constructed and maintained to minimise risk of injury or stress to stock.

Would you like to print out the Code standards for Physical Environment?