Dairy: Calf Inducement Publicity Hurts Dairy Sector
August 11th, 2010
Agriculture Minister David Carter calls it a beat-up and a one-sided story. He’s referring to the TVNZ item on inducing calves as part of a herd management strategy. He says the prevalence of inducing has fallen in recent years to 4% from 10% of an average herd. However, he adds: “there are reputational issues and the dairy industry has accepted that.” Welfare issues are “a far higher concern for people than in the past.”
Fonterra has told its 10,500 farmers it doesn’t support the practice while urging its use to be phased out. Under an agreement between Dairy NZ, Fonterra and vets, this should happen in three years. Under an earlier agreement it was to have been abolished this year in all but premature birthing, but has been allowed to linger. However, Carter says dairy is cleaning up its act and shouldn’t be lumped in with criticism leveled at the pork industry. “Dairy should be given credit.”
- – -NOT A SUBSCRIBER? – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - –
THE MAIN REPORT’S PROFITABLE AGRI-BUSINESS
For anyone involved in farming or agri-business. Covers the full range of livestock farming, farm management techniques, animal health, forestry, farm finance, agricultural market trends, production, processing and pricing, cropping, pasture management, and staff issues. Full of trends, forecasts and analysis, with comment from our Wellington bureau every week o the latest political issues facing farming. Published each Monday 46 times a year.
To subscribe http://www.nzagri-business.co.nz/home/special-introductory-offer
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee has flagged induction as being less than best practice, with potential harm to welfare of the cow and calf. The SPCA has also warned of the risks to export markets, especially in Europe, where the origins of food are taken more seriously than in NZ.
Copyright © The Main Report Group - NZ AGri-Business
