COW WELFARE IN SUSTAINABLE BREEDING OBJECTIVES

Dairy cow welfare is recognized and promoted in the S A dairy industry through various organizations, which include the MPO, Milk SA and the DSA. According to the code of practice for milk producers by the DSA, animal welfare is dependent on both sensible and sensitive animal husbandry practices. As a result, most intensive dairy farm practices in the country ensure animal welfare primarily through their management systems, being supported by skilled and trained personnel. Also, many SA dairy farmers have followed world trends with application of balanced selection indices.

The review indicates that a number of animal welfare assessment programs demonstrate the overall welfare status of the farm as a single score or index. This, however, has the disadvantage that indicator data must still be integrated. Although some degree of subjectivity is inevitable, it is essential to include a multi-criteria assessment that incorporates various indicators. The incorporation of animal welfare standards has experienced a slow rate of change, despite the accumulation of scientific evidence and increase in social concerns. Factors attributed to this slow change include economic restraints, social challenges, and fixed traditions. Cow welfare traits, specifically claw disorders, lameness, and mastitis, remain complex, and suitable phenotypes are not always easy to measure or readily available for genetic evaluation.

In conclusion, due to the multi-factorial nature of cow welfare, indicators are needed for identification of relevant traits and adding new phenomes to include breeding objectives for more sustainable dairy production. Technology advancements and genomics have added benefits for selection of health and welfare traits, which should be pursued.