FAWC Shows Support For Large, Indoor Dairies
UK - With recent speculation concerning the welfare of dairy cows in large all year round indoor herds, Professor Christopher Wathes, Chairman of the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC), has said that FAWC believes that a dairy cow that is kept in a large herd, with little or no access to grazing can have a satisfactory standard of welfare.
19 August 2010
1 minute read
In a letter to the government, Professor Wathes said that a satisfactory standard of welfare was achievable, provided that the herd is div died into appropriate groups, each managed according to nutritional and other needs, and stockmanship is of the highest standard.
In the letter, Professor Wathes looked at dairy cow's ability to express the Fourth Freedom - normal behaviour, as there may be lack of space, facilities and company. He said the FAWC would like to see further research undertaken on how all year housing affects dairy cows ability to express normal behaviour and the extent to which impediments affect welfare.
Professor Wathes concluded saying that objection to highly intensive farming practices would continue unless significant steps are taken to ensure that consumers become adequately and appropriately informed about animal welfare issues.
Further Reading
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- | You can view the letter by clicking here. |
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