Research from the University of Minnesota study debunks animal rights activists’ assertions that large dairy herds equal less care and more welfare issues. The study reveals variances based on bedding type, footbath use and robotically milked dairies.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 15, 2016.
The one factor that seemed to make a difference was whether a herd had a hoof trimmer on staff, allowing that person to deal with hoof issues on a weekly or even daily basis. “Herds that had an on-farm hoof trimmer had overall lameness prevalence of only 11.6% and very low severe lameness,” she says.
INSIGHTS: Animal stewardship is routinely under fire. The loudest voices are often the most uneducated. This article will be helpful for dairy veterinary teams and sales representatives working with dairy customers. Dairy producers can use these latest facts to push back on activists who may challenge them.