Dairy cattle welfare and other aspects of sustainability

Abstract

Welfare and other aspects of sustainability are becoming increasingly important in consumer purchasing decisions. This chapter introduces a number of key welfare issues affecting the dairy industry that need system change, including lameness, mastitis and aspects of calf management. Other major topics concerning the sustainability of dairy production are: minimising grain use, feeding high protein leaves of shrubs and trees, reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as by changing diet to reduce methane output, and improving labelling and traceability.