Hot topic: Health and welfare challenges in the marketing of male dairy calves—Findings and consensus of an expert consultation

A diverse group of Canadian experts was convened for a focused 2-d discussion on potential health and welfare problems associated with the marketing (i.e., transportation and sale) of male dairy calves. Written notes and audio recording were used to summarize the information provided on transport ti...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of dairy science 2020-12, Vol.103 (12), p.11628-11635
Main Authors: Wilson, Devon J., Canning, Derick, Giacomazzi, Terri, Keels, Kendra, Lothrop, Reny, Renaud, David L., Sillett, Nicole, Taylor, Dave, Van Huigenbos, Henry, Wynands, Bob, Zuest, Dave, Fraser, David
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal Welfare
Animals
Canada
Cattle
Commerce
Consensus
Dairying
expert consultation
Male
male dairy calf
Marketing
Referral and Consultation
Transportation
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:A diverse group of Canadian experts was convened for a focused 2-d discussion on potential health and welfare problems associated with the marketing (i.e., transportation and sale) of male dairy calves. Written notes and audio recording were used to summarize the information provided on transport times and marketing practices. Content analysis was used to develop a consensus statement on concerns, possible solutions, and recommendations to improve male dairy calf marketing. The group noted that calves across all Canadian regions are commonly transported at 3 to 7 d of age and undergo transport for 12 to 24 h or longer depending on the location of their dairy farm of origin. Calves in some regions are marketed almost exclusively through auction markets, whereas others have more direct sales. A need was identified for better criteria for calf fitness for transport, maintaining farm biosecurity, reducing the use of antimicrobial therapy in calf production, and improving education for farmers and veterinarians on the importance of neonatal care for male dairy calves before transportation. Experts noted that major changes in male dairy calf marketing will be required to comply with amendments to the federal Health of Animals Regulations (Part XII) on animal transportation; collaborative effort will be needed to safeguard animal health and welfare as this transition is made.
ISSN:0022-0302
1525-3198
DOI:10.3168/jds.2020-18438