Tips for improved rearing of milch cattle and other animals

Abstract

Dairy farmers’ production systems worldwide need to be able to combine profitability with the responsibility of protecting human health, animal health, animal welfare and the environment. Dairy farmers, as the primary producers in the supply chain, should also be given the opportunity to add value to their product by adopting methods of production that satisfy the demands of processors and customers. This Guide gives individual dairy farmers proactive guidance on how these objectives can be achieved on their farm. The Guide to good dairy farming practice has been written in a practical format for dairy farmers engaged in the production of milk from any dairy species. When adopted, it will support the production and marketing of safe, quality-assured milk and dairy products. The Guide focuses on the relationship between consumer safety and economic, social and environmental management at the farm level. The Guide contains many individual practices that contribute to good dairy farming practice, covering the key aspects of animal health, milk hygiene, nutrition, welfare, the environment and socio-economic management. These practices have been drawn from best practice guidelines and existing assurance schemes around the world, and so individual practices will vary in their applicability to various dairying regions. They are not intended to be legally binding and readers are encouraged to select and implement those guidelines that are of relevance to their situation. As such, this Guide aims to provide a genuine framework for dairy farm assurance schemes to be developed globally, giving individual countries and dairy farmers the opportunity to develop schemes that are specific to their needs.