Animal Care
We have an ethical responsibility of care for all our stock. The health and well-being of our cows directly impacts the quality and quantity of milk produced. This leads to improved farm efficiency.
Caring for our cows ethically also aligns with our consumer expectations, as their demand for sustainably and ethically produced dairy products are a priority and continues to grow.
As a demonstration farm, we open our farm gates to everyone and ensure that animal care is a high priority at LUDF. We have many different measures and strategies to ensure our animals are being looked after well.
Primary Goals
- Less than 15% involuntary culls (includes empty cows, those culled due to health reasons, or who die)
- Cows are mated with a clear breeding strategy to provide a valuable calf reared past four days of age
- Replacement rate of heifers entering the herd is 15% of the total herd number each year
- All calves receive adequate colostrum within their first 24 hours, as shown through blood protein samples and achieve weight gain targets
Secondary Goals
- Cows’ welfare needs are met through provision of the five freedoms. Access to food and water, shade and shelter, medical care, the ability to behave naturally and to be free from fear and distress
- Cows’ body condition score is monitored throughout the year (a minimum of four times), with no cow to be below BCS 3.5
- Annual tail score audit is conducted to ensure change in status remains less than 2%
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