The latest review of the UK Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy 2023-2028 has shown benefits such as reduced lameness, better udder health and improved cow comfort.
The review was carried out be industry body Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W).
Gwyn Jones, chairperson of the RH&W said: “Two years ago, we launched this critical strategy pathway which detailed six ambitious welfare goals, all aimed at improving the welfare of the national dairy herd and maintaining the nation’s status as a global leader in dairy cattle welfare.
“The review and progress report shows key milestones achieved so far, and how farmers, vets, researchers, government bodies and stakeholders throughout the entire dairy supply chain are working together to continue moving in the right direction.”
Results
The UK Dairy Cattle Strategy is led by the RH&W in conjunction with the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB), Red Tractor Assurance, and 19 other industry signatories.
The six strategic goals set out for dairy welfare are: healthy feet; thriving cows; healthy udders; cow comfort; appropriate nutrition; and positive welfare.
Red Tractor’s role in supporting the strategy is to turn welfare science into “clear, practical standards that work on farm”.
In regard to ensuring healthy feet standards, routine mobility scoring carried out on dairy herds has reportedly resulted in a reduction of lameness.
Red Tractor have noted that farmers involved in industry initiatives, such as AHDB’s Healthy Feet programme, are seeing big results, with case studies showing a trend of “90% fewer sole ulcers on assured farms”.
Welfare
Progress to to reduce Johne’s disease on dairy farms has been driven by the incorporation of the National Johne’s Management Plan (NJMP) as a mandatory requirement for Red Tractor-assured farms, which means that 95% of UK dairy farms now use the plan.
Consequently. the strategy review revealed that herd infection levels have almost halved since 2015, improving cow health and longevity as a result.
The review also reported a decrease in mastitis cases from 32 per 100 cows in 2019 to 23 per 100 cows in 2024.
Additionally, the latest data shows progress in cow comfort and nutrition, with an estimated 96% of cows being in an acceptable body condition, and levels of lesions and swellings at their lowest in 10 years.
Looking ahead, Red Tractor hopes that its framework of welfare standards, science-led innovation in the dairy sector, and the day-to-day commitment from farmers can continue in improving cow welfare and sustainability.
