Editorial: Weight of Welfare both Ethical and Financial

This week the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released its Scientific Opinion on the dairy welfare practises in Europe and listed policy recommendations.

In particular, the opinion drew attention to issues regarding the genetic selection of dairy cows for increased milk producing traits. Dairy cows are unable to eat enough food to fuel the production of these large quantities of milk, says the report. In some cases, dairy cows starve. The opinion says that genetic components that lead to the increases in udder size also show correlation to related diseases, including lameness, mastitis, reproductive disorders and metabolic disorders.

Further measures were recommended for change, but with the Europe-wide dairy crisis in full effect, farming organisations have voiced concerns over the implications of these proposed changes. Many believe they will only prove to be a further financial burden. Without an increase in milk prices, such a move could be disastrous for the dairy industry, but retailers seem unlikely to make any significant changes.

Later this week, EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel called on retailers to come clean about the prices they charge consumers for fresh milk, saying recent falls in farmgate prices should have been passed onto the supermarket shelves.

Adam Anson

Mastitis in Cattle This invaluable book covers all aspects of the subject and is essential reading for veterinary surgeons and students, farmers and also those involved in the practical care of cattle.

This Week's Feature Articles

Global Dairy Cattle Industry News

Viet Nam

Australia

New Zealand

United Kingdom

United States

Iran

Sri Lanka

Fiji

Denmark

Ireland

General

European Union

Canada

China

Spain