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Murray Dairy News

Don't drop the ball with bobby calves

During peak calving time, it is timely to remember to be vigilant about caring for bobby calves. By following industry-recommended practices everyone responsible for calves will meet the new animal welfare legislation which is being prepared to be rolled out across Australia.

Australian animal welfare standards for land transport of livestock, developed in 2009, will start to be implemented in each state from later this year, with Victoria expected to be the first.

These standards detail the requirements for all people who play a key role in looking after bobby calves, including farmers, calf buyers, agents, saleyards, transporters and meat processors.

Dairy farmers must ensure bobby calves being transported for sale or slaughter are:

  • at least five days old (unless consigned direct to a calf rearer)
  • fit and healthy
  • have been adequately fed within six hours of transport.

For further information and to obtain a copy of Dairy Australia's 'Rearing Healthy Calves – How to raise calves that thrive' handbook, contact Dairy Australia Manager Animal Health, Kathryn Davis, at kdavis@dairyaustralia.com.au