Practical changes in new Dairy Code of Welfare strengthen reputation
An improved code of welfare for dairy cattle will enhance New Zealand’s strong reputation for animal welfare, while ensuring changes are practical for farmers, Acting Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg says.
“The revised Code of Welfare: Dairy Cattle makes important changes to add to already-high levels of animal welfare in the dairy sector, our largest export earner,” Ms Grigg says.
“New Zealand has a strong international reputation for animal welfare, and it’s vital we maintain the confidence of New Zealanders and our overseas markets.
Key changes to the Code for Dairy Cattle include a new minimum standard requiring calves to be fed at least twice-a-day for their first two weeks of life, and increasing the minimum standard for body condition score from 3 to 3.5 out of 10 for milking cows.
“New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world that stipulates a minimum body condition score in legislation. The industry has indicated that increasing the body condition score is good practice, and these changes are also in line with consumer expectations around animal welfare,” Ms Grigg says.
“I have also recommended the development of new regulations prohibiting the tethering of dairy cattle, and around the use of electrified backing gates in milking sheds. Development of these regulations will involve public consultation.
"The new Code provides requirements and guidance that will leave farmers in no doubt about the standards of animal handling and care they must meet.
“I would like to thank the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee for its work reviewing the Code, as well as key players in the dairy sector who have all helped shape humane, fit for purpose standards.
“The new Code will take effect in April 2027 to give farmers time to make any changes needed. The Ministry for Primary Industries will work with industry organisations to build awareness of the changes and support farmers with clear information and practical tools during the transition period,” Ms Grigg says.
Notes to editors:
The revised Code of Welfare: Dairy Cattle will come into effect on 19 April 2027. Key changes will include:
The minimum standard for body condition score in dairy cattle will be adjusted from 3 to 3.5 out of 10.
A new minimum standard related to the feeding, rearing, and weaning of calves. Calves must have access to milk or milk replacer at least twice-a-day in the first 2 weeks of their life.
Dairy cattle with a body condition score of 3 or below will only be able to be transported off-farm with veterinary approval.
Minimum standards relating to the tethering of dairy cattle will be strengthened, and new regulations on tethering will be developed following public consultation.
The Code will apply to the welfare of dairy cattle including:
- Calves born from dairy cows until they are weaned, wherever they are reared
- All dairy replacement stock, wherever they are being grazed
- Unweaned dairy calves sold to abattoirs
- Dairy cattle kept as ‘house cows’, such as on lifestyle blocks
- Any bull brought onto a farm for the purpose of mating dairy cows or heifers, or kept at a breeding centre
- Dairy cattle in saleyards (calves, cull cows etc).
The Code does not include dairy cattle raised for beef production once they’re weaned.
The code is available here
