Benefits of Meeting Animal Welfare Standards

By Daniela Roland

Consumers today want to be assured that the milk they purchase comes from well-cared-for animals. Dairy welfare standards have been established to help verify what farmers do daily to take care of their animals.

Like taking steps to improve milk quality, adhering to recommended best management practices for animal care can benefit not only the animal but also the farm's overall viability. Over the past several decades, studies have shown a positive correlation between milk production and healthy, well-cared-for animals. For example, research has shown that herd-level management practices to promote feed access, such as increased bunk space can increase milk yield and lower somatic cell counts (Sova, et al. 2013).

It makes sense to follow recommended best practices not only for the benefit of the animal but also to ensure the farm can be profitable.

According to the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), 99% of the U.S. fluid milk supply in 49 states come from farms that participate in the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Animal Care program. The FARM Animal Care program has evolved to include a comprehensive set of animal care recommendations, and most U.S. dairy farms have been through one or more animal care evaluations. The program's goal is to encourage continuous improvement regarding animal care practices.

The FARM Animal Care Program covers an extensive set of animal care topics, recommended standards, and observation-based outcomes that must be met.