Assessment of the welfare of dairy cattle using animal-based measurements: direct observations and investigation of farm records

A protocol was developed by consultation with experts on the welfare of cattle to use direct observations of cattle and an examination of farm records to assess welfare. Fifty-three dairy farms in England were visited and assessed during the winter of 2000/01. The findings were compiled and the resu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Veterinary record 2003-08, Vol.153 (7), p.197-202
Main Authors: Whay, H R, Main, D C J, Green, L E, Webster, A J F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal Husbandry - standards
Animal Welfare - standards
Animals
Cattle
Cattle Diseases - diagnosis
Cattle Diseases - epidemiology
Dairying - standards
England - epidemiology
Female
Incidence
Records - veterinary
Surveys and Questionnaires
Veterinary Medicine - standards
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Summary:A protocol was developed by consultation with experts on the welfare of cattle to use direct observations of cattle and an examination of farm records to assess welfare. Fifty-three dairy farms in England were visited and assessed during the winter of 2000/01. The findings were compiled and the results of the welfare measurements were examined by 50 experts who indicated at what level they considered that improvement was required. More than 75 per cent of them considered that 32 of the 53 farms needed to take action to reduce the incidence of mastitis, and that at least 42 of the farms needed to take action to reduce the prevalence of lameness, overgrown claws, swollen and ulcerated hocks, and injuries from the environment.
ISSN:0042-4900
DOI:10.1136/vr.153.7.197