Code of Welfare: Dairy Cattle

Background

The Act provides for the welfare of animals in New Zealand. It puts obligations on people who own or are in charge of animals to provide for the welfare of their animals.

The Act establishes the fundamental obligations relating to the care of animals and provides for the development and issue of codes of welfare.

Codes of welfare expand on the obligations set in the Act by setting minimum standards and recommending best practice for the care and management of animals.

Minimum standards provide the details of specific actions people need to take in order to meet the obligations in the Act. They are identified in the Code by a heading and are contained within a box. Minimum standards use the word “must” or similar.

This Code includes information and example indicators for each minimum standard. The list of indicators is not exhaustive but is given to provide guidance on ways in which a minimum standard may be met.

Recommended best practices are usually a higher standard of practice than the minimum standard, except where the minimum standard is best practice. Recommended best practices generally use the word ‘should’, and do not need to be complied with. These practices can be varied as new information comes to light.

This Code also references regulations issued under the Act. Regulations are prescribed under the Act and impose enforceable requirements on owners and persons in charge of animals. For ease of reference, regulations relevant to each topic are included under the corresponding section headings throughout this Code. 

Penalties for failure to comply with the regulations are specified in the relevant regulations. 

The regulations referenced throughout this Code are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all obligations under the Act or regulatory requirement. Owners and persons in charge of animals are responsible for ensuring that they are aware of, and understand, all Act and regulatory requirements that are relevant to them, including all applicable codes of welfare.

Under the Act, a “significant surgical procedure” may only be carried out by a veterinarian or their supervised student, unless there are regulations that say otherwise. The regulations clarify who can carry out certain procedures and how they should be done.

This Code is intended for all persons responsible for the welfare of dairy cattle, including calves.

Under the Act an animal’s ‘owner’ and every ‘person in charge’ of the animal are responsible for meeting the legal obligations for the welfare of animals under their care. The Act also provides for liability of employers, principals, directors and officers of bodies corporate.

If an owner places dairy cattle in the care of others, both the owner and the person in charge have a responsibility to ensure that the requirements of the Act and animal welfare regulations are met.

Failure to meet a minimum standard in this Code may be used as evidence to support a prosecution for an offence under the Act. A person who is charged with an offence against the Act can defend themself by showing that they have equalled or exceeded the minimum standards in this Code.

Some minimum standards have example indicators. The list of indicators is not exhaustive, but is given to provide guidance on ways in which a minimum standard may be met.

Owners and persons in charge of animals are not required to comply with the recommendations for best practice in this Code, but are encouraged to do so to provide higher standards of welfare.

This Code does not provide an exhaustive list of the Act’s requirements, and owners and those in charge of animals should note that they must comply with the minimum standards in this Code, the general provisions of the Act, and any regulations issued under the Act.

Animal Welfare Act 1999 – NZ Legislation

Other codes of welfare should be consulted where appropriate. Further detail on the transport of livestock and the application of painful husbandry procedures are covered in other codes, and in regulations issued under the Act. Codes are available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Codes of animal welfare

Animal welfare regulations can be found on the NZ Legislation website. Efforts to include relevant regulations within this Code have been made, although there may be other regulations which are relevant to you.

Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018 – NZ Legislation

This Code sets out the general principles for the care and management of dairy cattle. Farmers may also refer to relevant dairy industry assurance programmes, standards, and guidance materials for additional information. While these programmes can provide additional information, they do not negate or replace the requirements of this Code.

For each code of welfare, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) develops a report that sets out the deliberations of the committee when reviewing a code.  The report includes standards and recommendations for best practice, the nature of any significant differences of opinion during drafting and consultation, and any matters that should be dealt with by regulation. Code reports can be accessed on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Animal welfare publications, guidelines, and reports

1.1 Application

This Code of Welfare applies to all persons responsible for the welfare of dairy cattle.

This Code applies to all dairy cattle. This includes all calves born from dairy cows until weaning wherever they are being reared, all dairy replacement stock wherever they are being raised, and calves sent for slaughter. It also includes dairy cattle that are kept as “house cows” and any bull brought onto the farm for the purpose of mating dairy heifers or cows or kept at a breeding centre. It does not include dairy cattle, once weaned, raised for beef production.

1.2 Interpretation and Definitions

Refer to Schedule I: Interpretation and Definitions.

Introduction

The importance of good stockmanship cannot be over-emphasised. The knowledge, skills, abilities and attitude of the stockperson are integral to the standard of welfare. Stockmanship is the ability to identify an animal’s needs and ensure that action is taken to address those needs along with an affinity and empathy with animals.

Owners, managers or persons in charge are required to ensure that their staff have either the relevant knowledge and training, or appropriate supervision and support to ensure that the health and welfare needs of the dairy cattle in their care are met. Personnel should undergo training either formally, or on the job, by experienced supervisors. All staff, including contract or temporary staff, should be trained and competent in the relevant task.

The owners or persons in charge may place dairy cattle in the care of others for purposes such as milking, feeding and management, rearing, transport and slaughter but this does not absolve them from their responsibility to ensure these tasks will be carried out in accordance with this Code.

Those responsible for the care of dairy cattle should be competent and well trained. Staff should be appropriately instructed in the care and maintenance of dairy cattle and how their actions may affect the animals’ welfare. Knowledge of the normal appearance and behaviour of dairy cattle is essential for monitoring their health and welfare. It is important that those in charge of dairy cattle should be able to recognise early signs of distress or disease, so that prompt action is taken or advice sought. It is acknowledged that stockmanship abilities may determine the number of dairy cattle that can be cared for by one individual.

Recommended best practice

1. Quality assurance programmes should emphasise the importance of staff training.
2. Animal handling procedures should be included as written procedures in the quality assurance system, which should be easily accessible to all personnel.

General information

This Code establishes minimum standards of care for dairy animals and is intended to encourage all owners and persons in charge of those animals to adopt the highest standards of husbandry, care and handling, based on the recommended best practices. While this Code is based on current knowledge and technology available at the time of issue, it does not replace the need for experience and common sense in the handling of animals.

Information on qualifications and accredited training providers is available from the Primary Industries Training Organisation (Primary ITO) and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Primary ITO

NZQA

Introduction

Animals need to receive a diet in adequate quantities and of adequate nutritional quality, in order to meet their requirements for good health and welfare.

When considering the amount of food and nutrients required by animals, a number of factors need to be taken into account including:

• physiological state
• nutritional composition and quality of feed
• age
• sex
• size
• body condition
• future metabolic needs relative to body condition
• state of health
• growth rate
• level of production
• previous feeding levels
• feeding frequency
• terrain
• genetic effects of strain or breed
• level of activity and exercise
• maximum periods of food deprivation (e.g. during transportation)
• introduction of new feeds
• climatic and seasonal factors (e.g. extreme weather)
• provision of shelter

Given the many factors to be considered and the natural variation in the needs of individual animals, it is not appropriate to specify the complete range of quantities and nutrients required. Rather than simply following a regime of feeding pre-determined levels of feed, additional information to allow feeding levels to be adjusted according to need can be obtained by monitoring body condition score, or by weighing at regular intervals.

3.1 The importance of planning feed supply

Introduction

Dairy cattle at all stages of their lives require food which is adequate to maintain their health, vigour, satisfactory growth, production and reproduction. The cow is the most important component of the dairy farm system as it is her function to turn feed into milk. In such a biological system, there may be considerable fluctuations in the rate at which the animal grows and in the case of the heifer and cow, fluctuations in food requirements associated with the physiological demands of lactation and pregnancy.

In New Zealand, where outdoor grazing is practised virtually all year round, both pasture quality and quantity are climate dependent. The herd manager needs to remain alert to the welfare and productivity problems this can create and plan accordingly. In particular he/she needs to take account of:

• the marked increase above maintenance levels of feed requirements in late pregnancy
• the high levels of feeding a lactating cow needs, especially during early lactation, to allow maximum production and lessen the weight loss that may detrimentally affect her health and future reproduction
• the high feed requirements of dairy cattle during growth, pregnancy and lactation, and that pasture growth may not be of sufficient quantity or quality during certain times of the year to meet these requirements. Provision needs to be made for times of expected shortfall
• the planning that is required in times of limited pasture growth, especially during drought and winter periods, and during recovery from these times when herd condition score is low
• the increase of feed requirements for the animal's maintenance needs during cold, wet and windy weather.

Many feedstuffs can pose a risk to animal health in particular circumstances. Stock handlers need to be aware of possible dangers such as frothy bloat, nitrate or toxic plant poisoning, rumen acidosis, choke and the effects of fungal contamination.

Recommended best practice

• Weaner and young growing dairy cattle should be fed sufficient to achieve target live weights (refer to industry recommendations).
• Body condition score at calving should be 5 for a cow and 5.5 for a heifer and no more than 7 for either, to minimise calving and metabolic problems.
• To avoid being influenced by gut-fill the body condition score should be assessed at the same time each day.
• Where a change of feed is incorporated into the diet it should be introduced gradually, e.g. over a 7 - 10 day period. Abrupt changes in diet should be avoided.

General information

Regular body condition scoring is an important management tool. Body condition scoring is a useful method of visual and manual assessment to determine whether animals have been receiving adequate nutrition (refer to Schedule II – Body Condition Scoring of this Code and Condition Scoring Made Easy, by Kevin Macdonald and John Roche, DairyNZ 2008; ISBN 0-476-00217-6).

3.2 The importance of feeding newborn calves

Introduction

Colostrum is the first milk produced by the cow after calving and contains special nutrients and antibodies which are essential to protect the calf from disease. The newborn calf can absorb antibodies from the colostrum, but begins to lose this ability from about six hours after birth. In addition, the concentration of antibodies in the colostrum diminishes rapidly after the cow has calved and is reduced markedly after two milkings.

Recommended best practice

• Every calf should receive at least two litres and preferably four litres of colostrum as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first six hours. If it is suspected that a calf has not received this colostrum, then colostrum or a suitable substitute should be given to the calf within 24 hours of birth.
• Although antibodies cannot be absorbed by the calf beyond 24 - 36 hours after birth, colostrum, either fresh or stored, should be fed for at least the first four days of the calf's life, as it can provide local immunity in the gut and is a highly digestible, high quality food.
• Colostrum, milk or milk replacer should be fed at the rate of 10 - 15% of bodyweight per day during the first week after birth (i.e. about 2 - 7 litres per day), preferably divided into not less than two feeds per day.
• Colostrum from cows induced to calve prematurely is of low quality and should not be fed to newborn calves.

General information

Dried whole colostrum is commercially available and can be used if needed – it may contain specific antibodies to help control a particular disease problem. Cow vaccination programmes to boost the level of antibodies in colostrum may be advised in certain cases. These practices can be discussed with a veterinarian.

Many calves left on their mothers do not get enough colostrum and so providing supplementary colostrum would be beneficial for a large proportion of calves.

3.3 Hand rearing calves

Introduction

Newborn and young animals are vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions and poor management. Consequently all calves require special attention to ensure they are healthy and to allow their individual needs to be assessed.

A newborn calf does not have a functional rumen, and therefore needs to be fed on liquid feeds until the rumen has developed sufficiently to allow it to utilise solids i.e. for at least four weeks.

Recommended best practice

1. Calves should receive sufficient liquid feed to meet their total nutrient requirements, until at least four weeks of age.
2. Calves should also have access to solid feeds (appropriate concentrates, hay, or grass) from their first week of life. Consumption of these solids will enhance rumen development and will contribute increasingly to satisfying the calf's nutrient requirements.
3. Calves should not be weaned off liquid feed until the rumen has developed sufficiently to enable them to meet their total feed requirements from solids. In general, this means giving a proportion of the diet as liquid feed until six weeks of age and/or until they have reached 65 kg or 80 kg liveweight for Jerseys and NZ Holstein-Friesians respectively.
4. Liquid feeds should be fed warm, but not above the calf's normal body temperature (39oC).
5. When calves are fed in groups, care is needed to ensure that all calves, even the slowest drinkers, are consuming what they need.
6. All equipment including teats, buckets and 'calfeterias', should be thoroughly cleaned after use.
7. To prevent digestive upsets, overfeeding, rapid changes of diet, or underfeeding should be avoided.

3.4 Water

Introduction

The provision of an adequate supply of water is critical for maintaining dairy cattle health and welfare. The way in which daily water requirements are supplied varies between farms. Different classes of dairy cattle have wide variations for water needs during the year which, if not adequately fulfilled, can lead to rapid deterioration of animal health and welfare.

Steps need to be taken to ensure that all animals get adequate access to water. Herd hierarchy and social interaction can limit access of individual cows to drinking water; this may be aggravated during hot weather when water consumption will rise and in winter when water may freeze. Human intervention may be required to ensure water is available to all dairy cattle.

Recommended best practice

1. Troughs should be cleaned and maintained regularly.
2. Water should be palatable.
3. The farm water supply should be able to meet peak demand of 14 litres/milking cow/hour at the trough.
4. The quality of water for dairy cattle should be monitored.

4.1 Behavioural needs for all dairy cattle

Introduction

Provision for the behavioural needs of cattle is essential for their welfare, while understanding cattle behaviour is essential for stockmanship and animal husbandry. Dairy cattle are social and hierarchical animals. Social ranking is maintained by a range of behaviours, including subtle behaviours that might not be obvious to untrained observers. Normal patterns of behaviour vary with age and between cows and bulls. Some situations are more restrictive – either temporarily such as during yarding, during pasture feeding when the area allowance is small, as with pasture-based wintering, or for longer periods of time, for instance calves and cows in off-paddock facilities. In these situations, cattle need to be allowed to adapt to the system that is used, and need to be managed appropriately in facilities that are designed and constructed with the well-being of the animals in mind (see Section 5.4: Off-Paddock Facilities).

Lying is an important behavioural need for dairy cattle. It allows rest, and also rumination necessary for feed utilisation. When adult dairy cattle are well fed, have suitable soft lying surfaces and space available and are not exposed to adverse environmental conditions, they prefer to lie down for 10-12 hours each day. Welfare is compromised when lying is restricted and animals will compensate later when given a suitable lying area by resting in preference to feeding. The ability to lie is affected by stocking density as well as by the surface and nature of the lying area. Dairy cattle prefer and spend more time lying on soft, dry and clean surfaces and are reluctant to lie when the surface is hard, muddy, slippery and/or wet.

In all cases, whether being managed at pasture or on crop or in off-paddock facilities, dairy cattle need to have the room and environment to lie down, rise up and move around in comfort, and perform normal patterns of behaviour, including grooming themselves and each other, playing (especially for young animals), normal feeding behaviour such as grazing or feeding or foraging to explore, select and consume feed, rumination, lying to rest and maternal behaviours (particularly isolating for calving).

Example indicators for minimum standard No. 6: Providing for behavioural nneeds

• Cattle do not show signs of lying deprivation, such as
  
  • choosing to lie down instead of grazing when back at the paddock after being stood off
  • excessive weight shifting between limbs, stiffness and/or lameness
  • appearing listless e.g. hanging of the head
• Normal free movement and access to feed and water is not impeded by space restrictions, excessive competition, slippery floors or poor construction.
• Stocking density, lying surface and area allocated for lying (including stall size) are sufficient for dairy cattle to lie in a normal posture.
• Stocking density and herd size are appropriate for the facilities, considering such aspects as the size and nature of the total area available, space along or around feeding and watering facilities, and floor and lying areas in off-paddock facilities, so that cattle can carry out normal behaviours.

Recommended best practice

1. Under usual conditions cattle should be able to lie and rest comfortably on a dry, clean and well-bedded/soft surface for 10-12 hours a day to meet their behavioural needs.

General information

The minimum standards and information elsewhere in this Code of Welfare are intended to ensure that the behavioural needs of dairy cattle are met, and provide advice on how to meet those needs.

Time of day, environmental conditions and normal management patterns all affect dairy cattle behaviour. Monitoring at the same time each day (or during the same farm activity) allows observers to determine the animals’ normal routines so that abnormalities can be picked up.

4.2 Mixing dairy cattle

Introduction

Dairy cattle live in groups in which they establish social hierarchies. Whenever animals are introduced into a herd, they will be challenged as newcomers and will have to establish their place in the group. These challenges can be aggressive and lead to injury and distress, and such behaviour needs to be managed. This is particularly important when first introducing heifers into a milking herd, and when cattle have horns.

Bulls are potentially dangerous at all times. Bulls need to be handled with special care and management skills to ensure their safety, the welfare of other animals and that of their handlers.

Recommended best practice

1. Dairy cattle should be kept in stable social groupings as much as practicable and the introduction of new animals into the herd should not occur more frequently than is necessary, because of the social stress involved as the introduced and resident dairy cattle re-establish a hierarchy.
2. When mixing groups of unfamiliar animals, or introducing new animals to a stable social group, or when releasing cattle from long periods spent in an off-paddock facility, animals should be observed until settled and monitored for signs of continuing aggression. Dairy cattle should be provided with sufficient area and with a non-slip surface, so that newcomers can move into free space if displaced or physically pushed or butted by the other animals.

5.1 Shelter

Introduction

Dairy cattle in New Zealand pastoral systems are exposed to the effects of the weather: heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind. With the exception of the young, and provided their nutritional needs are met, dairy animals tolerate weather variations well. Nevertheless, occasions do arise when weather extremes can create welfare risks (i.e. dairy cattle may be exposed to conditions that can lead to either hyper- or hypothermia).

Farmers therefore need to have in place management plans to provide shelter and/or shade where such welfare risks are likely to occur. Shelter and shade may be provided in a number of ways including through the use of topographical features such as gullies or hollows (of adequate depth), natural features such as stands of trees or scrub, hedges or shelter belts, or artificial structures such as buildings or hay stacks.

Early signs of significant cold exposure in dairy cattle include behavioural changes such as seeking shelter, facing away from the wind or rain with the back hunched, shivering, and huddling together. Where animals are exposed to cold conditions with which they cannot cope, their core body temperature drops below the normal range (hypothermia). As hypothermia progresses, animals become depressed and listless and may die. Such depression and listlessness indicates the need for urgent remedial action.

When dairy cattle are exposed to conditions that cause heat stress, they will use a number of ways to relieve the heat load. These include increased respiration rate, reduced grazing activity, seeking shade, and increased water consumption. If the heat load continues to rise, animals will progress to open mouth panting, with tongues extended when severe. If relief cannot be achieved, core body temperature rises (hyperthermia) and they may die.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 10: Shelter requirements before and during transportation and at points of sale or slaughter

Minimum standard No. 7: Shelter

1. All classes of dairy cattle must be provided with the means to minimise the effects of adverse weather.
2. Newborn calves that have been removed from their mothers must be provided with shelter from conditions that are likely to affect their welfare adversely.
3. Sick animals and calves that are not suckling their mother must have access to shelter from adverse weather.
4. Where animals develop health problems associated with exposure to adverse weather conditions, priority must be given to remedial action that will minimise the consequences of such exposure.

Recommended best practice

1. Shelter (e.g. windbreaks or natural topography) should be provided to protect animals from adverse weather especially cows when they are close to calving.
2. Animals that are photosensitive should be protected from exposure to direct sunlight.
3. During hot weather conditions the heat loading on animals, especially during the afternoon, should be reduced by, for example:
   
   1. provision of plentiful drinking water
   2. use of paddocks close to the dairy
   3. movement of animals at their own pace
   4. provision of water sprinklers at the dairy and in the dairy yards
   5. provision of shade
   6. use of sun protection formulas e.g. zinc
   7. once a day milking in the morning.

General information

Satisfactory protection from the effects of adverse weather, for calves that are not sucking a cow, can usually be achieved by housing the calves in a well ventilated building with dry bedding and avoidance of draughts. Where calves are sucking a cow, the cow will ensure that the calf is situated in available sheltered areas, if they are provided.

While hypothermia is generally not a problem for a well fed cow or calf, it may be a problem for both classes of animal when calving occurs in cold, wet and windy weather. Newborn, wet or sick calves, and those that have been transported or deprived of food, are particularly vulnerable and need to be managed accordingly. Animals, up to yearling age are more susceptible to cold conditions than adult dairy cattle. Cows can also experience hypothermic stress during cold or wet weather, especially if they are thin or unhealthy.

Protection can be provided by the appropriate use of calf and cow covers.

While ambient temperature and humidity are important factors contributing to heat stress, solar radiation is a major factor contributing to heat loading, especially in dark coated animals. This is very effectively reduced by shade. The quality of shade (i.e. amount of solar radiation that is blocked) influences whether cows choose to use it. Studies have shown that there is an increase in milk production in cows that have voluntary access to shade during hot days. Providing shade to cows also reduces their demand for drinking water.

A substantial increase in body temperature occurs during walking on hot days, whether or not the cows have had previous access to shade.

All the above factors need to be kept in mind when considering the welfare of dairy animals.

5.2 Floods, storms, droughts

Introduction

Contingency plans for emergencies such as floods, storms, snow or drought need to be in place to ensure the welfare of animals. While it is neither possible nor reasonable to put plans in place to deal with every potential problem, farms susceptible to extreme climatic conditions will benefit from contingency plans that help prevent the severe damage and welfare compromise that floods, storms and drought can produce.

Recommended best practice

1. Farmers should make an assessment of the risks of their susceptibility to floods, storms and droughts and develop contingency plans for these events, if necessary.
2. In areas subject to floods and storms farmers should:
   
   1. heed weather warnings
   2. ensure animals can be moved to safer and accessible ground as soon as possible
   3. hold sufficient stored feed at accessible and safe sites
   4. ask for assistance, if needed, from local regional authorities, Federated Farmers, farm management professionals or the farm veterinarian.
3. In areas prone to drought farmers should:
   
   1. have a plan in place that ensures stock feed requirements can be met before stock welfare is compromised
   2. ensure the availability of good sources of suitable water, not dependent on rainfall
   3. provide additional shade, where necessary, to reduce the water requirements of the stock
   4. ask for assistance, if needed, from Federated Farmers, farm management professionals or the farm veterinarian.

5.3 Farm facilities

Introduction

The construction, maintenance and operation of dairy farm facilities are important to facilitate milking, for the conduct of important husbandry procedures (e.g. artificial breeding), and for the movement of animals to and from grazing.

Recommended best practice

1. Races should be constructed so as to enable dairy cattle to walk comfortably, with minimum risk of distress or injury.
2. The surface of the dairy yard should provide satisfactory footing and be easily cleaned.
3. Floors should have non-slip surfaces.
4. Fences, gates and loading ramps should be designed to allow good animal flow and to prevent injury. Loading ramps should be carefully constructed with non-slip footing and with side boards or rails to prevent animals falling off or getting their legs trapped.
5. Head bails and crushes should be constructed to allow efficient handling of dairy cattle i.e. they should not endanger the animal, or the operator, and should allow for easy release to avoid choking.
6. Handling facilities should be available to manage dairy cattle safely when undergoing routine procedures and for animals that require treatment. (See also Section 6.3: Restraint).

General information

Information on the construction and maintenance of farm dairy facilities and races is available at DairyNZ

5.4 Off-paddock facilities

Introduction

An off-paddock facility is a facility that incorporates a constructed base, and may or may not have a roof or walls. Off-paddock facilities include calf sheds, purpose-built housing barns for cows, stand-off areas or pads (including long-term or wintering pads), and also feed pads. While kept in these facilities, animals are totally dependent on stock handlers for all their daily requirements, and farmers need to be aware there are additional responsibilities of care. Close monitoring and effective preventative and remedial action is particularly important for hygiene and disease management.

Adult dairy cattle may be held in off-paddock facilities for many reasons, but in particular for pasture and environmental management purposes, and to provide shelter. Dairy calves, both hand-reared and destined for early slaughter, are often housed to meet shelter requirements (refer to Section 5.1: Shelter).

The design and construction of the off-paddock facilities need to be carried out with the well-being of the animals in mind. Dairy cattle are likely to suffer significant discomfort or even injury, if structures, surfaces and stocking density are not appropriate. Resultant problems may include reduced lying times, reduced production, underfeeding, dirty udders and flanks, and increased health issues (such as enteric disease in calves and mastitis and lameness in cows). Calves in particular require accommodation that is dry, well ventilated and draught free.

Lactating cows have different requirements compared with dry cows and the facility may include provisions for milking, i.e. robotic milking systems. The design of the off-paddock facility and the way that it is managed both need to be appropriate.

Situations arise where dairy cattle are managed in an off-paddock facility for longer than the traditional wintering period (i.e. more than 150 days), for example barn-housed robotic milking systems. There is evidence that cows managed in such circumstances will express a behavioural partial preference for having access to the outdoors, particularly at nighttime. Daily or frequent access to the outdoors, either to pasture or a high quality area when the weather is suitable (i.e. does not create welfare risks such as hyper- or hypothermia or muddy paddocks) provides dairy cattle in these systems with opportunities to express a wider range of their normal patterns of behaviour. These include, but are not limited to, freedom of movement, choice of lying area, and opportunities for exploration, grazing and foraging, lying in extended positions and positive social interactions (refer to Section 4.1: Behavioural Needs for all Dairy Cattle).

Example indicators for minimum standard No. 9: Managing dairy cattle in off-paddock facilities

• Cows are not seen resting outside of stalls as this indicates inadequate resting space.
• Cattle do not show behavioural signs of thermal stress, or aggressive and abnormal behaviour.
• Cows are seen to lie in extended positions.
• Cattle are distributed in the facility using it appropriately (e.g. lying in lying areas, standing in loafing/standing areas, and moving through alleyways).
• Cattle are able to access feed and water without undue competition.
• Cows close to calving have room to separate themselves from the herd, or they are separated before calving within sight of others.
• Cattle are acclimatised to the system.
• Cows are confident in their movement on walking surfaces and move freely without slipping.
• Positive social interactions, such as social grooming, can be seen.
• Calves can be seen to play.
• Cattle do not show signs of exposure to noxious gases (e.g. runny eyes or noses).
• Cattle do not have hock lesions or neck or wither rubs, indicating that facilities are appropriate for the size of the animals.
• Cattle are generally clean, in particular the flanks and udder.
• The incidence of lameness and mastitis is minimised.
• Calves are dry and do not show signs of thermal stress (e.g. shivering or panting).
• The facility design provides for all individual animals that will be managed in it (i.e. up to the largest animal in the facility).
• Surfaces are anti-slip and allow effluent to drain away or allow for effective effluent removal as necessary, e.g. by scrapers, and standing areas are covered with material that minimises lameness.
• There is provision to remove animals that do not adapt.
• In case of emergencies, provisions for automated systems, such as backup power supply or alternative management arrangements, are in place.
• Environmental control systems are monitored and maintained.
• Gas levels are managed to industry recommended limits.
• Remedial action is taken if cattle show signs of exposure to excessive heat, excessive cold or noxious gases.
• Light levels are at least 50 lux at the level of the animals, for at least nine hours per day.
• If bedding is used, it is good quality, with minimal risk of toxic agent contamination and, where relevant, it is friable (i.e. loose without clumps, or clumps easily broken up).
• Soiled bedding does not come into contact with dairy cattle to an extent that causes a problem for health and welfare; lying areas are cleaned by the removal of soiling and/or soiled bedding and/or replenishment with new clean bedding material.
• Staff are trained to implement emergency procedures.

Recommended best practice

1. Dairy cattle should be held on a system that is designed and constructed for its intended use.
2. Dairy cattle should be inspected twice daily.
3. Bedding should be checked daily and topped up as required and free-stalls cleaned daily.
4. Ammonia levels should be maintained at less than 15ppm. Hydrogen sulphide, which accumulates above stored manure, should be maintained at less than 10ppm.
5. Where free-stalls are provided there should be 10% more free-stalls than animals housed.
6. Free-stalls should be adjustable, or built to accommodate the largest animal (with manure management adjusted accordingly for smaller cattle), or stalls or separate pens of different sizes provided to accommodate animals of different ages, stages or with special requirements.
7. Providing that weather and ground conditions are suitable, mature dairy cattle held in off-paddock facilities should be given daily voluntary access to pasture or to a suitable outdoor area.
8. Cattle in off-paddock facilities should be provided with access to devices that promote grooming.
9. Calves should be kept on compressible soft bedding that is dry and clean, prevents thermal stress and provides opportunity for calves to engage in play behaviour.
10. Provisions should be in place to separate cows needing attention or to quarantine sick animals.
11. Calving cows should be provided with a deep layer of clean and dry bedding.

General information

Those considering off-paddock facilities should seek professional advice. Features to be aware of include:

• The facility should be easily accessible and situated in an area which can still be accessed in an adverse event.
• Siting and design features that affect ventilation, temperature and risk of natural emergencies.
• Position of feed troughs, the length, layout and number of troughs and the ease of filling.
• Water quality and water supply layout and allocation, including available length, layout and number of supply points and water flow rate.
• Physical dimensions and layout of different areas, including passageways (alleys, entrances, ramps etc), hospital pens and loafing/resting areas.
• Physical dimensions, design and layout of stalls, where these are used, including floor slope and use of different barrier rails and locators.
• Physical dimensions, material and features of other surfaces dairy cattle come into contact with, e.g. brisket bars, brisket locators, neck rails, stall and pen surrounds, and around feed troughs and water supply points.
• Flooring and surface material (e.g. concrete, substrate, non-slip treatments) and dimensions (e.g. slat width and gap between slats).
• Bedding material for loafing/resting and lying surfaces (including ongoing supply).
• Proposed stocking density including loafing/resting and lying areas and allocation of stalls and other discrete areas (e.g. pens), where these are used and with future expansion in mind.
• The transition between feeds, which needs to be carefully managed.

As a guide, a level of 10-15ppm of ammonia in the air can be detected by smell and an ammonia concentration above 25ppm will cause eye and nasal irritation in people. In general, if the level of noxious gases is uncomfortable to people, it will also be uncomfortable for cattle.

Stones (and sand) have been used as an alternative rearing substrate for calves due to availability and cost related to the purchase of other bedding substrates, and on the basis that, being biologically inert, stones (and sand) may assist with disease control. The long-term effect of rearing on stones has not been investigated, but calves kept on stones spend less time lying, are colder and play less than calves reared on other substrates. It is advisable to keep/rear calves on compressible soft bedding that is dry and clean; nevertheless, where stones are used, they should be smooth and rounded, and no larger than 40mm in diameter.

Industry and expert advice on design of and management of dairy cattle in off-paddock facilities to achieve good welfare outcomes can be sourced from DairyNZ, farm consultants and manufacturers of such facilities. Further information on different off-paddock facilities can be found in DairyNZ’s good practice guidelines.

6.1 Behaviour and stock handling

Introduction

Distress and risk to both the animals and their handlers are decreased when good facilities reduce the need to apply pressure to the animals in order to handle them.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 48: Use of electric prodders
• Regulation 49: Prodding animals in sensitive areas

Recommended best practice

1. The following behavioural characteristics should be taken into account when handling dairy cattle:
   
   1. they have poor vision for both distance and detail and should be given time to adjust when being moved into shadowy areas. Exposure to sudden movements of nearby objects should be avoided
   2. their hearing is similar to that of humans, so they should not be subjected to sudden loud noises
   3. their instinct to herd is strong, so they should not be isolated unnecessarily.
2. Stock handlers should understand those things that cause stress in dairy cattle and appreciate how they might react to other dairy cattle, other animals, humans, strange noises, sights and smells.
3. Aids to facilitate handling of dairy cattle (should all be used carefully.), such as:
   
   1. sticks and flags as an extension of the arm
   2. dogs
   3. vehicles, and
   4. backing gates
4. Electric prodders should not be used to move dairy cattle that weigh over 150kg other than stubborn or recalcitrant animals. Electric prodders should not be applied for more than one second at any one time. If the desired effect is not achieved after four or five attempts, their use should be discontinued.
5. Tails should not be lifted or twisted.
6. If it is necessary to use dogs, they should be under full control at all times and muzzled if necessary.
7. Dairy cattle should not be moved by being pushed with a vehicle.
8. Backing gates should be used carefully. They should not be used in a manner likely to result in pain, injury or distress.

General Information

Driving dairy cattle intensely, as a way of speeding them up, can contribute significantly to cow lameness. Cows should be moved at such a pace that they can see where they are going and where to place their feet.

6.2 Droving

Introduction

Dairy cattle are often moved on foot between farms. Young stock and dry cows may be overwintered on run-off blocks. Whole herds may be moved at the end of a season, when changes in sharemilking contracts occur and when stock are shifted to new farms.

Recommended best practice

1. Drovers should check with the road and rail authorities for any requirements that may be specific to the area through which the dairy cattle are to be walked.
2. There should be clear warnings to other road users.
3. Dairy cattle should not be driven more than 10-12 km/day without a period for rest and feed, including water. If this travel includes any hills, then the distance should be less than 6 – 8 km/day.

General information

Laboured breathing or panting, particularly with the tongue extended, indicates that dairy cattle are being driven too quickly and are experiencing respiratory stress.

Signage indicating that stock are on the road and orange/yellow flashing lights may be used 100m ahead and behind the animals. Drovers should wear high visibility clothing.

The Transit NZ stock permit outlines rules about stock safety on state highways.

6.3 Restraint

Introduction

A quiet approach when handling dairy cattle is important. Facilities need to be adapted to suit the management system being used and may include yards, races, crushes and head bails to allow efficient examination and treatment when required.

See also the summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 47: Collars and tethers
• Regulation 58F: Ringing and wiring noses of cattle beasts

Introduction amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

(Minimum standard No. 12 (b) replaced on 9 May 2021 by section 25(2) of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2020)

(Minimum standard No. 12 (f) replaced on 9 May 2021 by section s25(2) of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2020)

Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2020 – NZ Legislation

Recommended best practice

Operators should be fully conversant with the safe operating procedures of restraint equipment which should be maintained in good working order.

Electroimmobilisation devices should only be used on adult dairy cattle.

General information

Stock handlers need to be aware that head bails and crushes can cause injury to the animals or people if they are not managed properly.

Electroimmobilisation devices do not block pain and may be aversive to animals. NAWAC has recommended that they be declared restricted devices. They need to be used in such a way that they do not mask the normal responses to pain, and should not be used in place of pain relief.

From time to time, individual animals, such as pets and show animals may be temporarily tethered. Those dairy cattle that are to be restrained by tether should be quiet and be trained to the conditions. Also see summary of regulations appended to this code, regulation 47: collars and tethers.

6.4 Identification

Introduction

Permanent identification by eartag is mandated by government agencies. Other forms of identification are also used.

See also the summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 55K: Freeze branding cattle beasts or equids
• Regulation 55L: Prohibition on hot branding of animals generally

Introduction amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

(Minimum standard No. 13 replaced on 9 May 2021 by section 25(2) of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2020)

Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2020 – NZ Legislation

Recommended best practice

1. Permanent tags should be inserted using the applicators designed for the purpose and according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
2. Care should be taken when applying an eartag to avoid hitting the cartilage ridges or major blood vessels.
3. Any infection resulting from tag application should be treated promptly.

Recommended Best Practice amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

6.5 Milking

Introduction

Efficient milking is essential for the good health, welfare and productivity of the cow. The modern dairy cow produces more milk than a calf can consume so needs to be milked regularly for good udder health.

The milking process needs to be carried out calmly and with regular routines, to create a stress-free environment for the cow. This will ensure that a complete milk ejection reflex occurs in the cow prior to or during milking. Gathering cows from the paddock, driving along the race, holding them in the yard, and entering and exiting from the milking bail are all part of this process.

Farmers traditionally milk cows twice a day. However, new management options in the dairying industry continue to be developed. Alternatives such as more frequent or once-a-day milking are being used increasingly for at least part of the season. The principles for good cow welfare apply no matter which milking process is being followed.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 6: Prohibited methods of milk stimulation in cattle

Recommended best practice

1. All lactating cows including those being sold or exhibited (unless sickness or good management practices dictate otherwise) should be milked or suckle calves at least once every 24 hours.
2. To minimise the risk of discomfort or damage to the teats:
3. the partial vacuum in the milking machine should not be higher than 50 kpa
4. the teat-cup liners and the pulsation system should function properly, and
5. cows should not be over or under-milked.
6. Milking machines should be tested at least once a year and more frequently if the milking process is compromised, as indicated by milking speed, teat damage and/or cow behaviour. All faults should be corrected immediately.
7. The risk of teat and udder infections should be minimised by practising good hygiene during milking and disinfecting teats after removal of teat-cups at every milking.
8. Heifers should be familiarised with the milking facility prior to calving.
9. Where there is a risk of an extended failure of the electricity supply, provision should be made for an independent generator to operate the milking machine and ancillary equipment.
10. Cows should be milked immediately after separation from their calves.

General information

Milk removal, conducted in good environmental conditions and with an efficient milking machine, is complete after about 6 to 8 minutes for most cows, depending on milk yield and rate of milk flow. If this is not being achieved, seek professional help.

Signs of discomfort (not ruminating, constant movement and/or excessive defecation by the cow while in for milking) and/or an increased incidence of sores on the teats can indicate faults in the vacuum level or pulsation system, or the presence of stray electrical voltages in the farm dairy.

Once-a-day milking may improve dairy cow health and welfare, through reduced incidence of lameness, improved conception rates and higher BCS. Once-a-day milking may, however, increase udder pressure in high yielding cows and increase the risk of mastitis. Therefore, cows need to be selected and managed carefully for once-a-day milking.

6.6 Drying-off

Introduction

Cows are generally dried-off at the end of their lactation. Individual animals may be dried-off earlier for other farm management reasons e.g. feed shortages. The aim is to shut down milk secretion and allow the teat canal to seal as rapidly as possible

Generally, management procedures such as feed restriction and reduced milking frequency are used to lower milk yield around the time of drying-off, rather than a sudden cessation of milking. Drying-off may increase udder pressure in high yielding cows and increase the risk of mastitis. Therefore, cows need to be managed carefully during the drying-off period, including the first month of the dry period. Drinking water must be available for all cows throughout the drying-off period.

Recommended best practice

1. The drying-off process should be done in a manner which minimises discomfort.
2. Cows should be milked less frequently for one week before dry-off.
3. Cows should have reduced food intake for the last few days before drying-off and for one week after.
4. Cows should be put in a clean, dry paddock, well away from the milking area or milking animals for the first few days after dry-off.
5. Cows should be monitored weekly for signs of udder pain or swelling, for at least 3 weeks after dry-off.

General information

Although lower feeding levels seem to reduce discomfort after dry-off, cows fed less are likely to experience hunger. Alternative dry-off procedures, such as feeding low-quality diets ad libitum may help lower milk yields before dry-off, without causing hunger.

6.7 Calving in Dairy Cattle

Introduction

Calving is a critical period for the welfare of both cow and calf. Pastoral farming in New Zealand is subject to varied weather conditions. Shelter (see Section 5.1: Shelter) and nutrition (see Part 3: Feed and Water) are especially important around the calving period. Feed quality and quantity, together with the trace element and mineral status, need to be taken into consideration.

Where early termination of pregnancy is warranted on welfare grounds, veterinarians may use induction on individual cows to treat particular health problems. However, NAWAC does not support the use of induction of otherwise healthy cows in order to manipulate calving patterns because it has the potential to affect the welfare of both cow and calf adversely. A Code of Practice under the ACVM Act (Use of long-acting Dexamethasone esters for routine induction of parturition in cattle) provides an operating procedure for the management of the routine induction process until October 2010. NAWAC is of the view that the Code of Practice should be replaced after October 2010 by a similar operating procedure. Information on current industry practice, codes and guidelines is available from your veterinarian or New Zealand Veterinary Association.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 7: Use of traction in calving

Recommended best practice

1. Easy-calving sires should be selected for heifer mating as large calves can cause significant damage to small dams, particularly during their first calving.
2. Induced calving for non-therapeutic reasons should not be used.
3. Cows close to calving should be inspected frequently; preferably at least every 6 hours.
4. Calving paddocks should provide dry ground, shelter and protection from adverse weather.
5. Those inexperienced in stock management should obtain immediate expert advice if they find a cow having difficulty calving. As a guide, heifers should not be left trying to calve for longer than 2 hours, and adult cows longer than 1 hour, before assistance is given or veterinary help sought (calving in this context means vigorous and regular abdominal straining).
6. To minimise the potential for damage to either cow or calf, controlled traction should only be used if the operator has diagnosed an unrestricted birth canal and the calf is in the normal position for delivery. Where no progress is made after 5 minutes of controlled traction, veterinary advice should be sought. The veterinarian, in considering the welfare of cow and calf, will outline the options available - these may include epidural anaesthesia, analgesics, caesarean section and/or a foetotomy procedure.

General information

The important features to be taken into consideration when deciding to assist a cow to calve are:

• an assessment of the size of the calf, whether it is still alive, and whether it is in the correct position for delivery
• an assessment of cow health and condition
• whether there is adequate lubrication to facilitate delivery
• the amount and direction of traction, which alters as the calf enters and passes through the pelvic canal
• whether the cow is able to stand, or whether it must be calved lying down.

With a difficult calving, veterinarians have been trained to select techniques that will lead to the best outcome, taking into account the welfare of both the cow and unborn calf.

6.8 Caring for recumbent cows

Introduction

There are a number of conditions and practices relating to nursing recumbent dairy cattle that can significantly compromise the welfare of the animals involved. The management of lifting cows with hip clamps or slings needs to be done correctly to prevent pain or possible injury.

Recommended best practice

1. Any cow that is unable to stand should receive veterinary attention within 48 hours of becoming recumbent or be destroyed humanely. Recumbent cows need to be inspected frequently, kept in an upright position (i.e. lying on their sternum with legs tucked under the body), and shifted from side to side as often as possible.
2. Flotation technology for recumbent cows should be used as a preferred method.
3. Cows that are unable to stand should be kept on soft ground.
4. Where hip clamps are used, the following guidelines should be followed:
   1. prior to their application, a veterinary examination should be made to rule out conditions that will not respond and that will only increase pain and distress for the cow
   2. the hip clamps should be padded and applied firmly, to prevent slipping and bruising
   3. the rear of the animal should be lifted to a point where the feet are touching the ground, so that weight bearing can take place
   4. if, after taking the weight of the animal on the hip clamps, the cow cannot be persuaded to take weight on the forelegs, the use of the clamps should be discontinued
   5. if an animal has failed to respond initially, she should be allowed to rest for a period before hip clamps are tried again.
5. Where cow slings are used:
   1. suspended animals should be inspected frequently
   2. no more than two suspending sequences in a day should be attempted.

General information

Hip clamps are most effective in the early stages of milk fever or post-calving paralysis, particularly when the cow is showing signs of a response to treatment. Careful diagnosis is important, as the use of a hip clamp is not appropriate where there is a fractured leg, pelvis or hip dislocation.

Repeated use of hip clamps is only acceptable if bruising and distress are minimal, some indication of progress is evident, and the clinical condition of the cow continues to warrant such use. (Note that external skin bruising is not necessarily an indication of underlying muscle damage).

Cow slings are designed to suspend the recumbent cow so that circulation in the limbs is improved. They are not suitable as an aid for the cow to stand up, because pressure on the lower abdomen of the cow triggers a reflex that relaxes her leg muscles when using such a device.

Prolonged use of the sling is only acceptable if bruising and distress are minimal, some indication of progress is evident, and the diagnosis of the clinical condition of the cow continues to warrant such use.

6.9 Calf management

Introduction

In dairying systems, because milk is the product to be sold, calves are removed from their mothers at a young age. The importance of colostrum for newborn calves and the ongoing feed requirements for calves are stated in Part 3: Feed and Water. Consideration of the health of the cow, the effects of early weaning on her welfare and the need to be milked regularly are referred to in Section 6.5: Milking.

Good management of calves is essential for their welfare. Many are destined to have only a few days of life before they are slaughtered, but that does not remove the obligation to manage them to the same standard as every other animal on the farm.

Calves may be kept and reared on the farm or sent elsewhere for rearing (usually for beef), or sent for slaughter, or killed on the farm. Humane destruction on the farm as a routine procedure needs to meet the same animal welfare expectations as routine killing in other situations. All methods of humane destruction require a level of skill to achieve the rapid death of the animal. It is important that anyone killing calves on the farm is suitably trained and competent in the technique used. Animals may be killed on the farm by professional contractors, however owners and persons in charge of the calves remain responsible for meeting the requirements in this Code of welfare up until the time of killing.

Shooting or the use of a captive bolt firearm are recommended methods to routinely kill unwanted calves where lethal injection by a veterinarian is not an option. These techniques require appropriate training in handling, killing and checking for death to ensure animals are immediately made insensible and death is confirmed. Signs of insensibility and death, and procedures to ensure death occurs, are described in Section 7.4: Emergency Humane Destruction. Because there is a risk of ineffective operator technique, calves cannot be killed by a blow to the head except in unforeseeable or unexpected situations requiring emergency humane destruction, as defined in Section 7.4: Emergency Humane Destruction

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 8: Prohibition on killing calves by blunt force to the head

Recommended best practice

1. Cows should be kept out of sight, sound and smell of newly weaned calves.

6.10 Mothering calves onto cows

Introduction

No technique to foster calves onto nurse cows should compromise the welfare of either cow or calf. All techniques should be used with minimum stress to both the cow and the calves.

Recommended best practice

1. Calves fostered onto a nurse cow should all be of similar size and age.
2. Nurse cows with calves at foot, should be inspected at least once every 24 hours to ensure that both cows and calves are in good health.

6.11 The selection of animals for mating

Introduction

The use of bulls for mating heifers, and for breeding those cows in the milking herd that are not pregnant after a period of artificial breeding, is a common practice in New Zealand.

Recommended best practice

1. Dairy cattle should be of suitable age, size and condition to experience pregnancy and calving.
2. When selecting bulls for breeding, consideration should be given to:
   1. the physical size of the bull relative to the heifers/cows to be bred (for heifers, use a bull breed that is smaller than the dam breed)
   2. the likely size of the offspring relative to their dams
   3. the fact that all bulls can be dangerous, both to each other and to handlers
   4. the health and welfare of the bulls.

6.12 Pregnancy examinations

Introduction

Pregnancy examinations are used widely to achieve more accurate management decisions in respect to culling, calving and managing feed during the cow’s dry period.

When manually examining the reproductive tract per rectum, or using ultra-sound by the transrectal approach, there is potential for rectal perforation that can compromise welfare and cause death.

Recommended best practice

1. Pregnancy examinations should only be undertaken by trained and competent operators.

6.13 Painful husbandry procedures

Introduction

Farming dairy cattle involves a number of husbandry procedures such as disbudding, dehorning, castration and tail shortening, which have been identified as causing pain and distress. These procedures are covered in a separate Code of Welfare and readers are directed to the Code of Welfare: Painful Husbandry Procedures for information.

Additionally, a number of these procedures can be considered Significant Surgical Procedures. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 sets criteria for whether a procedure carried out on an animal is a significant surgical procedure. The criteria are set out in Section 16 of the Act.

If any person has to determine whether a procedure carried out on an animal is a significant surgical procedure under this Act, the person must determine the question by considering the following criteria:

1. whether the procedure has the potential to—
   1. cause significant pain or distress; or
   2. cause serious or lasting harm, or loss of function, if not carried out by a veterinarian in accordance with recognised professional standards; and
2. the nature of the procedure, including whether this involves—
   1. a surgical or operative procedure below the surface of the skin, mucous membranes, or teeth or below the gingival margin; or
   2. physical interference with sensitive soft tissue or bone structure; or
   3. significant loss of tissue or loss of significant tissue.

Only a veterinarian, or a person who is acting under the direct supervision of a veterinarian and who is a student undergoing his or her training to become a veterinarian, are able to perform a significant surgical procedure, unless a regulation says otherwise.

For all animal welfare regulations, visit Animal Welfare Amendment Regulations 2020

Note that not all of the surgical procedures included within these regulations meet the criteria of a significant surgical procedure, some have been regulated for clarity only.

See also the summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 50: Docking cattle beasts’ tails
• Regulation 53: Castrating cattle beasts and sheep
• Regulation 55H: Removing cattle beasts’ teats
• Regulation 55I: Occlusion of cattle beasts’ teats
• Regulation 55K: Freeze branding cattle beasts or equids
• Regulation 57: Disbudding cattle beasts
• Regulation 58: Dehorning cattle beasts
• Regulation 58F: Ringing and wiring noses of cattle beasts
• Regulation 59A: Surgical reproductive procedures
• Regulation 59B: Transcervical insemination
• Regulation 59E: Epidurals

Introduction amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

6.14 Pre-transport selection

Introduction

When selecting animals for transport, other industry standards and/or codes for transport need to be considered. Information and requirements that owners need to be aware of when selecting animals for transport can be found in the Code of Welfare:Transport within

New Zealand, and for conditions of acceptance for slaughter the Code of Welfare: Commercial Slaughter.

The transport of cull dairy cows and young calves, particularly to slaughter, poses a significant risk of potential adverse welfare situations.

For the purposes of this Code, transportation does not include droving.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 9: Maximum time young calves may be off feed before slaughter
• Regulation 10: Shelter requirements for young calves before transportation and at points of sale or slaughter
• Regulation 30: Prevention of injury
• Regulation 31: Transport of animals with horns and antlers
• Regulation 32: Prevention of back-rub
• Regulation 33: Ensuring young calves are fit for transport
• Regulation 34: Maximum duration of transport for young calves
• Regulation 35: Requirements for loading and unloading facilities used with young calves
• Regulation 36: Shelter requirements for young calves during transportation
• Regulation 37: Prohibition on transporting young calves by sea across Cook Strait
• Regulation 38: Restrictions on transporting animals with ingrown horns
• Regulation 39: Restrictions on transporting animals with injured horns or antlers
• Regulation 40: Restrictions on transporting lame animals
• Regulation 41: Restrictions on transporting animals in late pregnancy
• Regulation 42: Restrictions on transporting animals with injured or diseased udders
• Regulation 43: Restrictions on transporting animals with eye cancer
• Regulation 48: Use of electric prodders
• Regulation 49: Prodding animals in sensitive areas

Recommended best practice

1. Dairy cattle should undergo suitable preparation for transport including pre-transport conditioning before long-haul journeys.
2. Collection areas should provide adequate shelter and comfort for all animals, easy access for the person collecting them and facilitate efficient handling of the animals.
3. Every effort should be made to ensure calves, pregnant, peak lactation and cull dairy cows are transported for the shortest possible time.

General information

The preparation for transport of mature animals, especially pregnant cows, will depend on the method, the distance and the time involved. For guidelines on preparation, a veterinarian or long-haul transport operator should be consulted.

Introduction

Prevention of ill-health or distress is much better than cure. Good stock handlers will have effective preventative programmes in place. They will also be familiar with their animals’ normal behaviour, recognise early signs of disease or distress, have a planned animal health programme in place and take immediate action when necessary.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 5: Cattle beasts with ingrown horns

Recommended best practice

1. Stock handlers should be familiar with the more common health problems of dairy cattle and organise prompt and/or expert attention should they occur.
2. Sick animals should be separated from healthy companions.

General information

Signs of illness include any difference from normal appearance or behaviour such as: listlessness, separation from the herd, lameness, changes in milk, faeces or urine, abnormal swellings or growths on any part of the body, bloat, lack of co-ordination when moving, pus or bloody discharge from body orifices, recumbency, physical depression, evidence of pain such as grunting and/or groaning, extreme nervousness and twitching, excess salivation, coughing or difficult breathing, loss of weight or body condition, changes in behaviour and demeanour, changes in appetite and eating behaviour, lack of or excessive chewing, or lack of gut fill.

Conditions which are painful and warrant immediate treatment are serious injury, purulent infections, severe haemorrhage, deep wounds, bone fractures, lameness, severe or chronic inflammation or damage to the eye and surrounding structures.

Organic dairy production systems present special challenges to health management and may require particular attention, to avoid welfare compromise.

7.1 Inspection and treatment

Introduction

The frequency of inspection of stock depends on the circumstances and management system. Situations in which careful inspection is particularly important are:

• when cows are close to calving
• when cows are being grazed on restricted areas
• when nutritional related conditions, such as bloat, ryegrass staggers, facial eczema or nitrate poisoning or other potentially toxic feed problems are likely to occur
• when receiving treatment for a disease or disorder
• when natural hazards are present
• during natural disasters.

Recommended best practice

1. Dairy cattle should be inspected as frequently as is necessary to detect any problems.
2. Any injured or ailing animal should be treated or humanely destroyed by a knowledgeable and competent stockperson immediately. Veterinary advice should be sought when:
   
   1. there is persistent ill-thrift and poor performance which does not respond to treatment
   2. first aid does not result in satisfactory resolution of the problem
   3. there is difficulty in calving a cow which the stock handler is unable to resolve
   4. a cow is recumbent and unable to stand and does not respond to treatment, or before hip clamps are used
   5. there is persistent lameness that does not respond to treatment
   6. there is concern about the welfare of the animal.

7.2 Lameness

Introduction

Lameness is a painful condition and warrants immediate and effective treatment. The most important factors that determine the prevalence of lameness in the herd are:

• the driving pressure exerted on the herd when moving the animals and their resulting walking speed
• the design, construction and condition of the races, notably wet or muddy surfaces
• handling in the yard and excessive backing gate pressure.

Recommended best practice

1. Dairy cattle should be managed so as to minimise the incidence of lameness.
2. Dairy cattle should be moved at a pace and with enough space such that they can keep their heads down and see where to place their feet.
3. To allow cows to rearrange into a milking order the backing gate should not be moved for at least 15 minutes after the last animal has entered the yard.
4. The backing gate should have a buzzer or bell so that the cows know when it is active and in motion.
5. Any motorised gate should move no further than one metre in five seconds and for no longer than 5 seconds in any one movement.
6. All staff should be trained in the prevention, identification and treatment of lameness.
7. When an animal is found to be lame, the affected foot should be carefully examined and treatment instituted within 24 hours.
8. Those animals not responding to treatment within 3 days should be seen by a veterinarian or humanely destroyed.
9. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be used to assist pain relief.

General information

Antibiotics should be used to treat lameness only where evidence of infection exists. In many animals, judicious hoof trimming and appropriate use of hoof blocks will achieve the desired result.

Isolation of the lame animal(s) from herd mates and the restriction of walking, are important factors in the healing process.

The dairy industry is developing programmes (e.g. ‘Healthy Hoof’) to assist in the early recognition and treatment of lameness. Locomotion or gait scores have also been developed to aid in the early identification of lame cows. These are based on observing the way they stand and walk, looking for ease of gait, degree of spinal arching and head carriage.

7.3 Animal health plan

Recommended best practice

1. Every herd operator should have an animal health plan drawn up and updated regularly with their attending veterinarian.
2. A recording system relevant to this plan should be kept up-to-date by the herd operator, because regular monitoring of the records aids management and quickly reveals any problem areas.

General information

Computer-based recording systems for dairy herds are now available and can produce useful diagnostic outputs from simple input records. These records can be discussed with a farm adviser/veterinarian.

7.4 Emergency humane destruction

Introduction

Unexpected and unforeseeable emergencies arise from time-to-time where animals experience severe pain or suffering that will become worse if they are not immediately treated or humanely destroyed. People in charge of dairy cattle need to be prepared for these situations, with adequate competence to use a method that is appropriate for the animals being killed. Any destruction procedure must rapidly stop brain function by destroying the brain or causing sufficient brain damage to stun the animal until death is confirmed.

Signs of insensibility include immediate collapse, with or without involuntary muscle movements (e.g. kicking, seizures), no blinking if the surface of the eye is touched, dilated pupils and no regular rhythmic breathing.

Death is confirmed when there are no signs of regular, rhythmic breathing, no sign of heartbeat, no blinking if the surface of the eye is touched, and the eyes are fixed with dilated pupils. Animals need to be checked immediately for these signs, and rechecked in 3-5 minutes. If signs of life are seen, animals need to be re-shot (if using a firearm) or subjected to a follow-up procedure to ensure death (see below).

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 8: Prohibition on killing calves by blunt force to the head

Recommended best practice

1. Free-bullet firearms should never be used at point blank range. Instead shotguns and rifles should be used between 5-25 cm from the head.
2. Shotguns should not be used to destroy adult animals.
3. Captive bolt firearms, of a suitable design and calibre should be used to render dairy cattle insensible.
4. All dairy cattle should be bled out as soon as possible after they have been rendered insensible.

General information

Whenever a firearm is used, it is very important that the operator is competent to use the gun and takes care in ensuring the safety of themselves, other people and other animals. Advice on legal requirements and safe storage and use of firearms, including captive bolt firearms, is available from the New Zealand Police and DairyNZ.

There are two types of captive bolt firearms – penetrating and non-penetrating. A penetrating captive bolt enters the skull and comes into contact with brain tissue; a non-penetrative captive bolt employs a “mushroom” percussive head. Both methods provide a concussive blow to the skull, resulting in insensibility because of brain tissue damage, although the damage caused by the penetrating captive bolt will result in less chance of the animal regaining sensibility. The captive bolt firearm must be applied directly against the head of the animal at the position shown below. The firearm will only function correctly if it is cleaned and maintained, and the correct cartridge size used, in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Because death is not guaranteed following the use of a captive bolt firearm, it is recommended to bleed the animal out immediately after it becomes insensible. If bleeding out is not desirable for other reasons, such as damage to the hide, veterinarians or DairyNZ can provide advice on alternatives.

The correct position is critical for the humane and effective slaughter of animals. The optimum position for dairy cattle is at the intersection of two imaginary lines drawn from the rear of the eyes to the opposite horn buds.

The blood supply to the brain in cattle is markedly different from other livestock and this difference can result in prolonged consciousness when only the carotid arteries and jugular veins are severed (the throat cut). Therefore, killing any dairy cattle by cutting the throat may not produce rapid death and therefore is not humane, unless the animal has first been rendered insensible.

For further information on emergency humane destruction see DairyNZ guidelines. If you are inexperienced with the procedure a veterinarian should be consulted.

Introduction

To ensure that standards of animal welfare and husbandry are maintained, each farm will need to implement a quality assurance programme that provides written procedures. The elements of the quality assurance programme will provide for the minimum standards and where possible, the recommendations for best practice of this Code.

Recommended best practice

1. To ensure that standards of animal welfare and husbandry are maintained, each farm should have a quality assurance system that provides documented procedures.
2. The elements of the quality assurance system should provide for the minimum standards and, where possible, the recommendations for best practice of this Code.
3. The quality assurance system should provide for all incidents resulting in significant sickness, injury or death of animals to be investigated and documented. Where the results of an investigation may have implications for current industry management practices, a report outlining the incident and implications should be forwarded to the appropriate industry body for consideration.
4. The quality assurance system should require continual review of existing systems, procedures and training schedules that could enhance the welfare of dairy cattle.
5. The quality assurance system should include a record of issues identified and the remedial action taken.

General information

The adoption or adaptation of an industry generic quality assurance programme will generally meet these recommendations.

While the quality system should be based on the general principles of Standard AS/NZS 9001 or similar, it is not essential that the quality system be certified under the JASANZ (Joint Accreditation Standards for Australia and New Zealand) certification scheme.

Act

The Animal Welfare Act 1999.

ACVM

Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Group of New Zealand Food Safety.

adverse weather

Unfavourable weather conditions that may pose harm or risk to the animals.

animal

As defined in the Act:

1. Means any live member of the animal kingdom that is –
   
   1. A mammal; or
   2. A bird; or
   3. A reptile; or
   4. An amphibian; or
   5. A fish (bony or cartilaginous); or
   6. Any octopus, squid, crab, lobster, or crayfish (including freshwater crayfish); or
   7. Any other member of the animal kingdom which is declared from time to time by the Governor-General, by Order in Council, to be an animal for the purposes of the Act; and
2. Includes any mammalian foetus, or any avian or reptilian pre-hatched young, that is in the last half of its period of gestation or development; and
3. Includes any marsupial pouch young; but
4. Does not include –
   
   1. A human being; or
   2. Except as provided in paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) above, any animal in the pre-natal, pre-hatched, larval, or other such developmental stage.”

automated feeding system

An electronically controlled system for feeding groups of animals.

available technology

NAWAC takes to mean technologies which are used practically to care for and manage animals, for example, existing chemicals, drugs, instruments, devices and facilities.

body condition score (condition score)

A 1 - 10 scoring system used to classify the condition of animals, based on the assessed amount of fat and/or muscle covering they have (see Schedule II "Body Condition Scoring", to this Code).

breeding value

The genetic value of an individual animal for a particular trait, based on an analysis of the data from its relatives.

bull

An uncastrated male bovine.

calf

A young bovine until it is weaned.

calving

Giving birth to calves.

colostrum

Milk secreted by the cow for the first few days after calving, characterised by high protein and antibody content.

cow

An adult female bovine.

droving

Moving animals from one place to another off-farm by driving them on foot along roadways or stock routes.

drying-off

The management technique of stopping milk production in cows.

electric prodder

A device that is capable of delivering an electric shock to make an animal move, but does not include electric stunners used to stun an animal immediately before slaughter or electric devices used on an animal by the New Zealand Police.

farm facilities

All structures and equipment such as buildings, yards, races, fences, gates, loading ramps, restraining devices and drains.

feed pad

An enclosure used for providing supplementary feed in troughs.

foetotomy

Dissection of a dead foetus whilst still in the uterus to assist in its delivery.

food/feed

The words "food" and "feed" are used interchangeably.

foster

A management practice whereby a calf is moved soon after birth, to be fed by a cow that is not its mother.

free-stall

Individual bedding area (stall/cubicle/cow bed) in a barn providing an area for cows to rest, sleep and ruminate.

goad

An object used to make an animal move, but does not include an electric prodder.

good practice

NAWAC takes to mean a standard of care that has a general level of acceptance among knowledgeable practitioners and experts in the field; is based on good sense and sound judgement; is practical and thorough; has robust experience-based or scientific

foundations; and prevents unreasonable or unnecessary harm to, or promotes the interests of, the animals to which it is applied. Good practice also takes account of the evolution of attitudes about animals and their care.

heifer

A young female bovine until completion of the first lactation.

hip clamps

A mechanical device that attaches to the hips of an animal to assist in raising them to a standing position.

husbandry

Care and management practices in dairy cattle production.

hyperthermia

Abnormally high body temperature.

hypothermia

Abnormally low body temperature.

ill-treat

As defined in the Act: "in relation to an animal, means causing the animal to suffer, by any act or omission, pain or distress that in its kind or degree, or in its object, or in the circumstances in which it is inflicted, is unreasonable or unnecessary."

lame animal

An animal that—

1. is not weight bearing on 1 or more limbs when moving or standing; or
2. has a definite limp (shortened stride) that is clearly identifiable to a limb or limbs, with weight placed on the limb or limbs significantly reduced.

An animal with a limp is not lame if the cause of the limp is a nonpainful condition (such as a conformational fault, a gait abnormality, or a healed injury) and the animal is able to bear weight (although not necessarily evenly) on all 4 limbs.

lux

International measure of light intensity (not to be confused with watts).

megajoule (MJ)

A measure of energy = a million joules; 1 joule =0.239 calorie and 1 calorie is the amount of energy required to heat 1g of water by 1 degree centigrade.

metabolisable energy (ME)

A measure of the amount of dietary energy that is 'useable ' by the animal.

minimum standards

Minimum standards provide the details of specific actions people need to take in order to meet the obligations in the Act. They are identified in the text by a heading, and generally use the word "must" or similar. They are highlighted in boxes within the text.

newborn

A recently born calf, less than 24 hours old.

nurse cow

A lactating cow that suckles one or more calves, not necessarily her own.

off-paddock facility

An enclosed area with a formed surface where dairy cattle are kept indoors or outdoors and are fully dependent on humans to provide for basic animal needs such as food, shelter and water. This term does not cover sacrifice paddocks (as defined below) or crop or pasture (including break-fed crop or pasture). Facilities covered by this definition include, but are not limited to,

1. Free-stall barns (barns with solid flooring and individual bedding areas provided for lying and resting)
2. Feed pads (defined above)
3. Loose-housed barns (barns with a slatted floor or with a bedded pack floor or bedding material floor, including those used for calf rearing)
4. Stand-off area (defined below)
5. Wintering pad (defined below)

owner

As defined in the Act: "in relation to an animal, includes the parent or guardian of a person under the age of 16 years who -

1. Owns the animal; and
2. Is a member of the parent's or guardian's household living with and dependent on the parent or guardian."

person in charge

As defined in the Act: "in relation to an animal, includes a person who has an animal in that person's possession or custody, or under that person's care, control, or supervision."

pest

As defined in the Act: "means -

1. Any animal in a wild state that, subject to subsection (2), the Minister of Conservation declares, by notice in the Gazette, to be a pest for the purposes of this Act
2. Any member of the family Mustelidae (except where held under a licence under regulations made under the Wildlife Act 1953)
3. Any feral cat
4. Any feral dog
5. Any feral rodent
6. Any feral rabbit
7. Any feral hare
8. Any grass carp
9. Any Koi or European carp
10. Any silver carp
11. Any mosquito fish
12. Any animal in a wild state that is a pest or unwanted organism within the meaning of the Biosecurity Act 1993."

photosensitivity

A condition in which exposure to sunlight will result in disease.

recommended best practice

NAWAC takes to mean the best practice agreed at a particular time, following consideration of scientific information, accumulated experience and public submissions on this Code. It is usually a higher standard of practice than the minimum standard, except where the minimum standard is best practice. It is a practice that can be varied as new information comes to light. Recommendations for best practice will be particularly appropriate where it is desirable to promote or encourage better care for animals than is provided as a minimum standard.
Recommended best practices are identified in the text by a heading, and generally use the word "should".

recumbent

The state of lying down and being unable to stand.

routine procedures

Husbandry procedures routinely undertaken in commercial dairy cattle production.

sacrifice paddock

An area of land used to keep animals confined so that they do not damage pasture over wider areas of the farm during wet weather conditions.

scientific knowledge

NAWAC takes to mean knowledge within animal-based scientific disciplines, especially those that deal with nutritional, environmental, health, behavioural and cognitive/neural functions, which are relevant to understanding the physical, health and behavioural needs of animals. Such knowledge is not haphazard or anecdotal; it is generated by rigorous and systematic application of the scientific method, and the results are objectively and critically reviewed before acceptance.

stand-off area (loafing pad)

An enclosure with a constructed base to keep animals confined so that they do not damage pasture over wider areas of the farm during wet weather conditions.

stockhandler

A person who undertakes the immediate day-to-day husbandry tasks associated with management and care of dairy cattle.

tether

To restrain by the head or neck with a rope, chain, collar or halter.

weaner

A young animal which is no longer given access to milk from a cow, nor to milk replacer from another source.

weaning

The act of permanently removing milk (or milk replacer) from the diet of the calf.

wintering pad or long-term pad

An enclosure with a constructed base to keep animals confined so that they do not damage pasture over wider areas of the farm during winter or wet weather conditions. Wintering or long-term pads are designed to hold cows for the entirety of winter as an alternative to wintering on a paddock.

Schedule I electric prodder: amended on 27 August 2020 by section 25(1) of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2020

A good source of information about body condition scoring is the 2008 DairyNZ publication Condition Scoring Made Easy by Kevin Macdonald and John Roche. Stockhandlers need to pay special attention to this publication regarding the feeding levels and time required to replace lost body condition, especially before calving.

When body condition score drops below specified levels (see also in Section 3.1: The Importance of Planning Feed Supply above), remedial action may involve veterinary attention, improved nutrition and/or husbandry practice changes.

The table below provides a guide on how to assess body condition score. Body condition scoring of dairy cows is based on palpation as looks alone can be deceiving. At lower condition scores the weight of assessment is more on the back bone, ribs and short ribs (loin), pin bones and tail-head, while at higher scores the assessment also includes the rump and thigh (see figure 1 below). Body condition score ranges from 1 to 10 with 1 being extremely thin and 10 being extremely obese. In assessing body condition score, each point should be assessed individually and then an average score arrived at because different breeds carry their weight on different parts of the body.

When assessing the various parts consider:

• Back bone - is it flat or a ridge, and are the joints easily seen or felt between?
• Ribs and short ribs (loin) - can you see and feel them easily?
• Hip bones - are they flat or pointed?
• Pin bones - are they rounded or pointed and have a tap-like appearance?
• Rump area - is it flat?
• Thigh area - is it depressed or rounded?

Table of characteristics of points at each score (items in bold are the critical assessment points for each score)

This Appendix is not part of the Code of Welfare but is included as a reference.

Although efforts to include relevant regulations within this Code have been made, there may be other regulations which are relevant to you.

The full list of all animal welfare regulations should be consulted where appropriate.

Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2020 – NZ Legislation

3: Interpretation

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires,—

castrate means to remove the testes, sever or crush blood supply to the testes, sever or crush the spermatic cords, or force the testes against the abdominal wall

dehorn means to remove the horn or part of the horn (including any regrowth after disbudding) from a cattle beast by amputation; but does not include—

1. removal of the hard insensitive tip of the horn resulting in a blunt hard end; or
2. removal of an ingrown horn (as described in regulation 38(4)(a) or (b)) within 3cm of the point where the tip of the horn touches or breaks the surface of the skin or touches theeyelid or surface of the eye.

disbud means to destroy, by any method, free-floating immature horn tissue.

dock means to shorten or remove the tail of an animal by any method

high tension band means a band that is mechanically tightened during application, with tension maintained by a crimp or similar device when the band is released from the applicator.

off farm, in relation to a calf, means off the property on which the calf was born or resides

pain relief means any anaesthetic, analgesia, or sedation administered with the aim of providing effective and significant alleviation of pain

prolapse means the displacement of an organ or anatomical structure from its normal position

skin abrasion means an injury where the skin has started to scrape or rub away, but does not include (by itself) hair loss

slaughter premises means premises designed and operated for the purpose of, or for purposes that include, slaughtering animals

supernumerary teat means an extra teat in excess of the normal number of teats

tether means any form of restraint that secures any part of an animal to an object or the ground

therapeutic purpose means for the purpose of responding to an existing disease or injury

transporter means a person who is in charge of an animal only for the purpose of transport

young calf means a bovine that is up to 14 days of age and has been separated from its mother.

5: Cattle beasts with ingrown horns

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow a horn to become ingrown to the extent that any part of the horn (other than the base of the horn) pierces or inflames any part of the beast’s body or causes a skin abrasion.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

6: Prohibited methods of milk stimulation in cattle

1. A person must not stimulate milk let-down in a cow by inserting anything into the cow’s vagina.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $900.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $300.

7: Use of traction in calving

1. A person must not use, for the purpose of traction in calving cattle,—
   
   1. a moving vehicle; or
   2. any other instrument that does not allow for the immediate release of tension.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
3. In this regulation, instrument includes a motorised or mechanical winch.

8: Prohibition on killing calves by blunt force to head

1. A person must not kill a calf by using blunt force to the head unless—
   
   1. the calf is in severe pain or distress and, as a result, requires immediate humane destruction; and
   2. there is no reasonably practicable alternative to the use of blunt force available.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
3. In this regulation,—
   
   1. blunt force does not include the firing of a firearm (as defined in section 2(1) of the Arms Act 1983)
   2. calf means a bovine that has not had milk (or milk replacer) permanently removed from its diet.

9: Maximum time young calves may be off feed before slaughter

1. A person in charge of a young calf being held at slaughter premises for slaughter must ensure that the calf is slaughtered as soon as possible after its arrival at the premises.
2. If it is not possible to slaughter a young calf within 24 hours after the calf was last fed on the farm on which it resided, the person in charge of the calf at the slaughter premises must,—
   
   1. if the calf is able and willing to feed,—
      
      1. ensure that the calf is fed a volume of colostrum, milk, or milk replacer that equates to at least 5% of the calf’s body weight no more than 24 hours after the calf was last fed on the farm; and
      2. ensure that the calf is slaughtered as soon as possible after it is fed; or
   2. if the calf is unable or unwilling to feed, humanely euthanise or slaughter the calf without delay.
3. A person in charge of a young calf being held at slaughter premises for slaughter must have a system in place that, if followed, will ensure compliance with subclauses (1) and (2).
4. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

10: Shelter requirements for young calves before transportation and at points of sale or slaughter

1. This regulation applies if a young calf—
   1. is being held at a location before being transported off farm for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale (other than the location at which the calf is normally housed on the farm); or
   2. is being held at a location off farm while awaiting sale or slaughter.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, the calf must—
   1. ensure that the calf has access to shelter that—
      1. is ventilated to the extent that there is no threat to the health or welfare of the calf due to insufficient ventilation; and
      2. provides protection from adverse weather, including precipitation and extremes of heat and cold; and
      3. enables the calf to stand up and lie down in a natural posture; and
   2. ensure that faeces and urine do not accumulate in the shelter to an extent that may pose a threat to the health or welfare of the calf.
3. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $2,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

30: Prevention of injury

1. A person must not transport a cattle beast, deer, sheep, goat, or pig in a manner that causes acute injury to the animal.
2. A person who transports a cattle beast, deer, sheep, goat, or pig must not load the animal onto a vehicle, or unload the animal from a vehicle, in a manner that causes acute injury to the animal.
3. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
4. The offence in subclause (3) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
5. In this regulation, acute injury—
   
   1. means an injury that is more than minor and is bleeding; but
   2. does not include back-rub (as defined in regulation 32(4)); and
   3. does not include an injury from horns or antlers to which regulation 31 applies.

31: Transport of animals with horns and antlers

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal with horns or antlers must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, in a manner that allows the animal to seriously injure itself or another animal.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
4. In this regulation, seriously injure means to cause—
   1. external bleeding or extensive internal bruising; or
   2. bleeding or broken horns; or
   3. bleeding, discharging, or broken velvet antlers or pedicles.

32: Prevention of back-rub

1. A person must not transport a cattle beast, deer, sheep, goat, or pig in a manner that causes back-rub.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
4. In this regulation, back-rub means a skin abrasion that—
   
   1. is bleeding or discharging; and
   2. is located on the head, hips, neck, spine, or high points on the back; and
   3. covers a combined area of more than 50 cm2.

33: Ensuring young calves are fit for transport

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a young calf must not transport the calf, or allow the calf to be transported, off farm for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale unless the calf is at least 4 full days (96 hours) of age.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a young calf must not transport the calf, or allow the calf to be transported, off farm for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale unless—
   
   1. the calf is free from signs of any injury, disease, disability, or impairment that could compromise the calf’s welfare during the journey; and
   2. the calf is alert and able to—
      
      1. rise from a lying position; and
      2. stand and bear weight evenly on all 4 limbs; and
      3. move freely; and
      4. protect itself from being trampled and from being injured by other calves; and
   3. the calf’s hooves are firm, worn flat, and not bulbous with soft unworn tissue; and
   4. the calf’s navel cord is shrivelled and not pink or red coloured, raw, or fleshy.
3. However, subclause (2)(a) and (b) does not apply if the owner of, or person in charge of, the young calf has a veterinary declaration that the calf is fit for transport.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a young calf that is being transported or is to be transported off farm for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale must have a system in place that, if followed, will ensure compliance with this regulation.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
6. The offence in subclause (5) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

34: Maximum duration of transport for young calves

1. A person in charge of a young calf must not transport the calf unless the total duration of the journey from the point of loading the calf onto the vehicle to the point of arrival at the final destination of the journey is no more than 12 hours.
2. A person in charge of a young calf who transports young calves must have a system in place that, if followed, will ensure compliance with subclause (1).
3. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

35: Requirements for loading and unloading facilities used with young calves

1. Subclause (2) applies to a person who is, or will be, the owner of, or a person in charge of, a young calf at a place at which the calf is intended to be—
   
   1. loaded onto a stock transport vehicle for transport off farm or from a place of sale for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale; or
   2. unloaded from a stock transport vehicle used to transport the calf off farm or from a place of sale for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale.
2. A person to whom this subclause applies must provide facilities designed to, or make available other means that,—
   
   1. enable the calf to walk onto (if subclause (1)(a) applies) or off (if subclause (1)(b) applies) the stock transport vehicle by its own action; and
   2. minimise the risk of a calf slipping and injuring itself, falling off the facilities or other means, or becoming otherwise injured or distressed.
3. A person in charge of a young calf must take all reasonable and practicable steps to ensure that the calf is not, while the person is in charge of the calf,—
   
   1. loaded onto a stock transport vehicle for transport off farm or from a place of sale, for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale, otherwise than through the use of the facilities or means referred to in subclause (2); or
   2. unloaded from a stock transport vehicle used to transport the calf off farm or from a place of sale, for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale, other than through the use of such facilities or means.
4. In this regulation, stock transport vehicle means a vehicle that has a loading height of 90 cm or more from the lowest point of the tyres to the height of the deck or body of the vehicle onto which a calf will be loaded.
   A person who fails to comply with subclause (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
5. The offence in subclause (5) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
6. A person who fails to comply with subclause (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $2,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

36: Shelter requirements for young calves during transportation

1. A person in charge of a vehicle must not transport a young calf off farm for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale unless—
   
   1. the vehicle provides shelter that—
      1. is ventilated to the extent that there is no threat to the health or welfare of the calf due to insufficient ventilation; and
      2. provides protection from adverse weather, including precipitation and extremes of heat and cold; and
      3. enables the calf to stand up and lie down in a natural posture; and
   2. the person ensures that faeces and urine do not accumulate in the vehicle to an extent that may pose a threat to the health or welfare of the calf.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $2,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

37: Prohibition on transporting young calves by sea across Cook Strait

1. A person in charge of a young calf on a vehicle must not allow the calf to be transported by sea across Cook Strait.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

38: Restrictions on transporting animals with ingrown horns

1. This regulation applies in respect of an animal with an ingrown horn that involves part of the horn (other than the base of the horn) piercing or inflaming any part of the animal’s body or causing a skin abrasion.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal in respect of which this regulation applies must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions.
3. However, the owner of, or person in charge of, an animal with an ingrown horn to which this subclause applies may, for the purpose of treatment, transport the animal—
   
   1. within the property on which the animal resides; or
   2. to another property (not being slaughter premises), part or all of which is less than 20 km from the boundary of the property on which the animal resides.
4. Subclause (3) applies if the ingrown horn—
   
   1. touches or breaks the surface of the skin, but does not touch any other tissue; or
   2. touches the eyelid or surface of the eye, but does not touch any other tissue.
5. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
6. The offence in subclause (5) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

39: Restrictions on transporting animals with injured horns or antlers

1. This regulation—
   
   1. applies in respect of an animal with a bleeding, discharging, or broken (and unhealed) velvet antler, horn, or pedicle; but
   2. does not apply in respect of a deer if the bleeding or discharge is a result of the deer naturally casting its antlers.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal in respect of which this regulation applies must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions; or
   3. the animal is a deer to which subclause (4) applies.
3. However, the owner of, or person in charge of, the animal may, for the purpose of treatment, transport the animal—
   
   1. within the property on which the animal resides; or
   2. to another property (not being slaughter premises), part or all of which is less than 20 km from the boundary of the property on which the animal resides.
4. The owner of, or person in charge of, a deer to which this regulation applies may transport the deer, or allow the deer to be transported, to a slaughter premises if—
   
   1. the deer is a yearling deer; and
   2. this regulation applies because the deer’s first set of velvet antlers were removed; and
   3. rubber rings designed for the purpose of inducing analgesia during velvet antler removal were used for pain relief and are still attached to the deer; and
   4. the deer arrives at the slaughter premises no later than 72 hours after the velvet antlers were removed.
5. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
6. The offence in subclause (5) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

40: Restrictions on transporting lame animals

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast, sheep, deer, pig, or goat that is lame must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner or person in charge complies with all relevant conditions.
2. However, the owner of, or person in charge of, the animal may, for the purpose of treatment, transport the animal—
   
   1. within the property on which the animal resides; or
   2. to another property (not being slaughter premises), part or all of which is less than 20 km from the boundary of the property on which the animal resides.
3. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
4. The offence in subclause (3) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
5. In this regulation,—
   1. a cattle beast, deer, or pig is lame if—
      
      1. the animal is not weight bearing on 1 or more limbs when moving or standing; or
      2. the animal has a definite limp (shortened stride) that is clearly identifiable to a limb or limbs, with weight placed on the limb or limbs significantly reduced:
   2. a cattle beast, deer, or pig is not lame if the cause of the limp is a nonpainful condition (such as a conformational fault, a gait abnormality, or a healed injury) and the animal is able to bear weight (although not necessarily evenly) on all four limbs:
   3. a sheep or goat is lame if—
      
      1. the animal is not weight bearing on 1 or more limbs when moving or standing; or
      2. the animal has difficulty walking and holds its head below its backline almost continuously.

41: Restrictions on transporting animals in late pregnancy

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast, sheep, pig, or goat that is in late pregnancy must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a pregnant deer must not transport the deer if it is in late pregnancy or within 21 days before the estimated due date, unless—
   
   1. the deer is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the deer is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions.
3. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a pregnant deer must have a system in place that, if followed, will ensure compliance with subclause (2).
4. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
5. The offence in subclause (4) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
6. For the purpose of section 162(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 1999, an inspector has reasonable cause to believe that a person has transported an animal that is in late pregnancy if the animal gives birth during transport or within 24 hours after arriving at a slaughter premises or sale yard.
7. An infringement notice may not be issued, and a charging document may not be filed, in relation to a failure to comply with subclause (1) unless the animal gives birth during transport or within 24 hours after arriving at a slaughter premises or sale yard.
8. An infringement notice may not be issued, and a charging document may not be filed, in relation to a failure to comply with subclause (2) involving a deer that is in late pregnancy (but not a deer that is within 21 days before the estimated due date) unless the deer gives birth during transport or within 24 hours after arriving at a slaughter premises or sale yard.

42: Restrictions on transporting animals with injured or diseased udders

1. This regulation applies in respect of a cattle beast, sheep, or goat that has—
   
   1. a necrotic udder; or
   2. an udder that has a discharge other than milk; or
   3. an udder that shows signs of inflammation (such as being red, hot, or swollen); or
   4. an udder with a lesion that is bleeding or discharging.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal to which this regulation applies must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions.
3. However, the owner of, or person in charge of, the animal may, for the purpose of treatment, transport the animal—
   
   1. within the property on which the animal resides; or
   2. to another property (not being slaughter premises), part or all of which is less than 20 km from the boundary of the property on which the animal resides.
4. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
5. The offence in subclause (4) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

43: Restrictions on transporting animals with eye cancer

1. This regulation applies in respect of a cattle beast, sheep, or goat that has an eye cancer that—
   
   1. is bleeding or discharging; or
   2. is not visibly confined to either the tissues of the eye or of the eyelid; or
   3. is causing the eye to discharge; or
   4. is more than 2 cm in diameter.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal to which this regulation applies must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions.
3. However, the owner of, or person in charge of, the animal may, for the purpose of treatment, transport the animal—
   
   1. within the property on which the animal resides; or
   2. to another property (not being slaughter premises), part or all of which is less than 20 km from the boundary of the property on which the animal resides.
4. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
5. The offence in subclause (4) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

44: Certain regulations do not apply to transporters

Regulations 33(1), 35(2), and 38 to 43 do not apply to transporters.

45: Obligations of transporters in relation to animals to which regulations 38 to 43 apply

1. A transporter who transports an animal to which any of regulations 38 to 43 apply and that is accompanied by a veterinary certificate must comply with any relevant conditions specified in the certificate.
2. A transporter who transports a yearling deer to which regulation 39(4) applies must ensure that the deer arrives at the slaughter premises no later than 72 hours after the deer’s velvet antlers were removed.
3. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
4. The offence in subclause (3) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

47: Collars and tethers

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal must ensure that any collar or tether on the animal (whether on the neck or on any other part of the animal) does not—
   
   1. cause a cut that bleeds or discharges; or
   2. cause a skin abrasion that bleeds or discharges; or
   3. cause a swelling; or
   4. prevent the animal from breathing normally, panting, or drinking.
2.  A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $900.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $300.

48: Use of electric prodders

1. A person must not use an electric prodder on any animal, except—
   1. on cattle that weigh over 150 kg; or
   2. during loading or unloading for transport, on pigs that weigh over 150 kg; or
   3. during loading of a stunning pen at any slaughter premises, —
      1. on pigs that weigh over 150 kg; or
      2. on pigs that weigh over 70 kg if the pigs are in a single-file slaughter race leading into, and within 15 m of, the stunning pen; or
   4. during loading of a stunning pen at any slaughter premises, on deer of any weight.
2. If an electric prodder is used on an animal where permitted by subclause (1), —
   1. the prodder may be used only on the muscled areas of the animal’s hindquarters or forequarters; and
   2. the animal must have sufficient room to move away from the prodder.
3. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding, —
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
4. The offence in subclause (3) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
5. In this regulation, electric prodder—
   1. means a device that is capable of delivering an electric shock to make an animal move; but
   2. does not include—
      1. electric stunners used to stun an animal immediately before slaughter; or
      2. electric devices used on an animal by the New Zealand Police.

49: Prodding animals in sensitive areas

1. A person must not strike or prod an animal with a goad in the udder, anus, genitals, or eyes.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
4. In this regulation, goad means an object used to make an animal move, but does not include an electric prodder as defined in regulation 48(5).

50: Docking cattle beasts’ tails

1. A person must not dock the tail of a cattle beast.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
3. A person has a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this regulation if the person was required to urgently dock the tail of the cattle beast in response to an accidental tail injury in order to prevent excessive bleeding or further injury to the cattle beast.
4. A person has a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this regulation if—
   
   1. the person was a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure; and
   2. the person docked the tail of the cattle beast for therapeutic purposes; and
   3. the cattle beast was given pain relief at the time of the procedure.

53: Castrating cattle beasts and sheep

1. A person must not castrate a cattle beast or a sheep that is over 6 months of age unless throughout the procedure the animal is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
2. A person must not castrate a cattle beast or a sheep (of any age) using a high tension band unless throughout the procedure the animal is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
3. A person who castrates a cattle beast or a sheep must—
   
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast or a sheep that is to be castrated must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

55H: Removing cattle beasts’ teats

1. A person must not remove a main teat from a cattle beast unless—
   
   1. the person is a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure; and
   2. the cattle beast is given pain relief at the time of the procedure.
2. A person must not remove a supernumerary teat from a cattle beast that is over 10 weeks of age unless throughout the procedure the cattle beast is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
3. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow a teat to be removed from a cattle beast in breach of subclause (1) or (2).
4. A person who removes a supernumerary teat from a cattle beast of any age must ensure that the procedure creates a clean cut and does not tear the tissue.
5. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow a teat to be removed from a cattle beast in breach of subclause (4).
6. A person who removes a supernumerary teat from a cattle beast of any age must—
   
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
7. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast that is to have a supernumerary teat removed must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
8. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1), (2), or (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
9. A person who fails to comply with subclause (4) or (5) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
10. The offence in subclause (9) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

55I: Occlusion of cattle beasts’ teats

1. A person must not occlude a cattle beast’s teat unless the person—
   
   1. uses a teat sealant that is registered under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997; or
   2. uses a teat drain or a teat plug in a manner permitted under subclause (2); or
   3. is reinserting or replacing a teat plug that was inserted by a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, for therapeutic purposes.
2. A person must not occlude a cattle beast’s teat using a teat drain or a teat plug unless—
   
   1. the person is a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure; and
   2. the person occludes the teat with the teat drain or teat plug for therapeutic purposes.
3. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow the cattle beast’s teat to be occluded in breach of subclause (1) or (2).
4. A person who reinserts or replaces a teat plug must—
   
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
5. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast that is to have its teat occluded must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
6. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1), (2), or (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

55K: Freeze branding cattle beasts or equids

1. A person who freeze brands a cattle beast or an equid must—
   
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast or equid that is to be freeze branded must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.

57: Disbudding cattle beasts

1. A person must not disbud a cattle beast unless throughout the procedure the cattle beast is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow the beast to be disbudded in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person who disbuds a cattle beast must—
   
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast that is to be disbudded must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

58: Dehorning cattle beasts

1. A person must not dehorn a cattle beast unless throughout the procedure the cattle beast is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow the beast to be dehorned in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person who dehorns a cattle beast must—
   
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast that is to be dehorned must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

58F: Ringing and wiring noses of cattle beasts

1. A person must not insert wire into the nose of a cattle beast.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow wire to be inserted into its nose in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person must not insert, unless the insertion is for animal management purposes, a nose ring into the nose of a cattle beast.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow a nose ring to be inserted into its nose in breach of subclause (3).
5. A person who inserts a nose ring into the nose of a cattle beast must—
   
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
6. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast that is to have a nose ring inserted into its nose must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
7. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.
8. A person who fails to comply with subclause (3) or (4) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

59A: Surgical reproductive procedures

1. A person must not perform a surgical reproductive procedure on an animal unless throughout the procedure the animal is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal must not allow the animal to have a surgical reproductive procedure performed on it in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person who performs a surgical reproductive procedure on an animal must—
   
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal that is to have a surgical reproductive procedure performed on it must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
6. In this regulation, surgical reproductive procedure—
   
   1. includes a procedure that involves—
      
      1. cutting into or piercing the abdominal cavity for the purpose of artificial insemination or for the purpose of harvesting, transferring, or implanting embryos; or
      2. transvaginal techniques that involve piercing the vaginal wall:
   2. does not include a procedure carried out for the primary purpose of desexing or the delivery of offspring.

59B: Transcervical insemination

1. A person who performs a transcervical insemination on an animal must—
   
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal that is to have a transcervical insemination performed on it must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
3. In this regulation, transcervical insemination means a procedure to deliver sperm directly to the uterus through the cervix using a catheter and may involve either or both of the following:
   1. deep abdominal palpation:
   2. using an endoscope.

59E: Epidurals

1. A person must not perform an epidural on an equid unless the person is a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure.
2. A person must not perform an epidural on an animal other than an equid unless the person—
   
   1. is a veterinarian or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure; or
   2. injects a local anaesthetic authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure into the epidural space.
3. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal must not allow an epidural to be performed on the animal in breach of subclause (1) or (2).
4. A person who performs an epidural on an animal other than an equid must—
   
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
5. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal other than an equid that is to have an epidural performed on it must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
6. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1), (2), or (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
   3. transvaginal techniques that involve piercing the vaginal wall:
   4. does not include a procedure carried out for the primary purpose of desexing or the delivery of offspring.

Appendix replaced on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589