Best Care for Animals

Healthy cows, high-quality milk

Dairy farmers care deeply about their cows because healthy cows produce high-quality milk, which is essential to their livelihood. They carefully monitor the health of their animals and take preventative measures to ensure their well-being is completely looked after.

Regardless of farm size, dairy farmers know that looking after their animals is key to success.

All dairy farmers must meet the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Cattle, which set the minimum requirements for animal welfare. Additionally, the Australian dairy industry supports farmers with programs and access to specialists to help them provide best animal care.

Here are some key steps farmers take to care for their cows:

• Taking actions to prevent diseases coming onto their farms and infecting animals.
• Vaccinating against common diseases.
• Feeding a nutritious diet, which provides the nutrients needed to produce milk and help prevent disease.
• Building good laneways for the cows to walk along, preventing foot issues.
• Practicing good hygiene while milking cows to prevent mastitis.
• Planting trees to provide shade for cows on hot days.
• Working with skilled vets to help treat animals that get sick.

Aussie dairy is committed to the health, welfare and best care for all animals throughout their lives. With continued investment in research and innovation, farmers are always improving their practices and transparently reporting progress to ensure ongoing advancements in animal care.