Read more on how DairyNZ is understanding how predicted changes to climate will affect cow health and welfare.

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease that threatens herd health and New Zealand’s dairy and beef industries. TB control and eradication is a shared responsibility, led through the TBfree programme managed by OSPRI and supported by DairyNZ.

Our understanding of animal welfare has evolved. Instead of focusing solely on health and production, there is now a broader perspective that considers behaviour and affective state, which considers an animal’s experiences and overall wellbeing.

The Dairy Industry Good Animal Database (DIGAD) holds pedigree and performance information for every recorded dairy cow in New Zealand. It is led by NZAEL, which uses the data to keep improving the sector’s efficiency and productivity.

Animal welfare goes beyond just daily care for animals on farm . It means adhering to standards set out by the Animal Welfare Act and welfare codes, and meeting consumer and market expectations.

Moving animals on and off farm has its risks. A common way for mastitis bacteria to be introduced into a herd is in the udders of cows that are brought in. These bacteria can spread rapidly through a herd, so it is important to mitigate risk factors.

Healthy teats are the first line of defence against mastitis. If you get teat health right, somatic cell count, milk quality, and cow health get a lot easier. This page outlines what good teat health looks like, and how to fix poor teat health.

Give calves the best possible start to set them up for a long, productive life. Maintain routine hygiene and health practices from birth, such as regularly cleaning feeders, limiting movements between pens, and following a vaccination plan.