New Zealand has updated the dairy cattle welfare code

The new document aims to maintain high standards of livestock animal welfare in the dairy sector and incorporates scientific data, practical experience from farmers, and feedback from industry representatives. As Acting Minister of Agriculture Nicola Grigg noted, the changes are designed to preserve New Zealand's reputation in animal welfare while remaining practical for farmers.

Among the key innovations is a minimum standard requiring calves to be fed at least twice a day during the first two weeks of their life. In addition, for dairy cows, the minimum body-condition score is increased from 3 to 3.5 out of 10. According to Grigg, this step reflects best farming practice and consumer demands.

Additionally, the Acting Minister recommended developing rules prohibiting the tethering of dairy cattle and the use of electric backing gates in milking parlors. At the same time, the updated code does not apply to dairy cattle raised for beef after weaning.

DairyNZ and Federated Farmers positively assessed the update. DairyNZ emphasized the importance of aligning the standards with scientific research and on-farm realities, promising to work alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries to help farmers prepare. In turn, Federated Farmers representative Carl Dean stated that the new requirements will strengthen the country's international reputation.