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Dairy Health & Welfare
In this section, information is provided on the following areas:
- Lameness
- Mastitis
- Breeding for health and welfare
- Designing housing for health and welfare
- Biosecurity
To explore these topics in more detail, use the tabs in the menus to the left or below.
If you would like to know more about SAC's Dairy Systems Research, use the link on the right to visit Crichton Royal Farm.
The welfare of dairy cattle is protected by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000. A Code of Recommendations is available from the Scottish Government (link on the right).
Lameness
A reduction in lameness could save the UK dairy industry millions of pounds annually and help to alleviate a significant welfare issue.
Mastitis
Mastitis is one of the most costly diseases to the dairy farmer, and poses a significant welfare issue for those animals affected.
Breeding For Health & Welfare
Advances in genetics and breeding have resulted in a rapid increase in milk yield equating to a 3.7% increase per year since the 1980s.
Housing & Welfare
SAC has made comparisons of the costs and benefits to welfare of dairy housing systems in the UK.
References & Publications
Useful references and publications relating to the health and welfare of dairy cattle.