Initiative to improve welfare of dairy calves marks significant success

British dairy farmers have significantly reduced the number of pure-bred dairy bull calves being born on their farms, according to a report outlining the progress of the GB Dairy Calf Strategy.

The industry-led strategy, facilitated by AHDB and the NFU, launched in 2020 with the aim that all dairy-bred calves are reared with care and for a purpose as part of either the dairy or beef supply chains, thereby eliminating the need for routine euthanasia.

The strategy focused on seven priority areas, including opening up new pathways and supply chain opportunities for dairy-bred calves, encouraging responsible breeding strategies through farm assurance, and increasing the number of biosecure market routes for TB-affected herds.

Sarah Tomlinson, vet and lead veterinary science expert at AHDB, said that the industry should be proud of what it has achieved since the strategy launched.

She added: “The number of dairy bull calves being born on British farms has reduced by 65% in the past 10 years and the number of beef cross dairy calves being born has risen by 77%.

“This has been achieved because farmers embraced the need to change. There has been industry support for the use of sexed semen, which now accounts for 84% of all dairy semen sales, and the use of more beef semen on dairy farms.

“Furthermore, the updated Red Tractor requirements now require all members to have a written breeding and management policy to ensure there is no routine euthanasia of bull calves.

Uniting the industry through use of data and technology

Marianne Combe, NFU senior bTB policy manager, explained the influence of the strategy so far on TB policy.

She said: “In the three years since the strategy’s launch, we have also secured some important TB policy changes in England and Wales which have the potential to really improve calf health and welfare on dairy farms.”

These changes include an increase in the validity of pre-movement tests from 30 to 60 days for cattle moved from TB-restricted holdings to TB Isolation Units (TBIUs), and the removal of the requirement for cattle moved from one Approved Finishing Unit (AFU) to another, or indirectly through a TB-dedicated sale, to have a pre-movement test.

TB-affected keepers are also now able to move cattle to AFUs or licenced slaughterhouses under a general, rather than animal-specific licence, removing some of the paperwork and time constraint burdens placed on farmers during TB breakdowns.

Ms Tomlinson has shared key aims of the strategy in the future. She said: “Going forward to 2028, the next phase of the strategy will continue to focus on rearing every calf with care, whilst developing the relationships that were fostered during the first three years across the beef supply chain, uniting the industry through use of data and technology.

“For example, the use of beef sexed semen can deliver better returns for dairy farmers as there are more market options available for beef cross bull calves compared to similarly bred heifer calves.”

The expert added that the next phase of the strategy, which will be outlined in a Ruminant Health & Welfare document later this year, will also focus on promotion of the ‘Buy British’ message, highlighting how dairy beef can fulfil some of the market demands, displacing the need to import beef.

Opportunities for dairy beef

Ruminant Health and Welfare chair, Gwyn Jones, explained the significance of growing opportunities for dairy beef in a broader context.

He said that according to recent AHDB reports, imported beef accounts for approximately one third of total beef consumption in Britain.

“Dairy beef can help fill this gap and strategies like the GB Calf Strategy will help ensure consumers can have confidence when they buy British dairy and beef products.

“It is also important to remember the wider environmental benefits of rearing dairy calves with care. There are obvious economic benefits from a productive, performing herd starting with healthy calves, but this also translates into a more sustainable herd with a reduced carbon footprint, as you’re not accounting for animals that don’t end up in the supply chain,” he concluded.

Ms Tomlinson encourages everyone involved in the dairy industry – including farmers, processors and vets – to get involved with the strategy to ensure the best outcome for all calves born on British dairy farms.

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