Humane slaughter main topic of discussion

Shelley Purdie (left), Lesley Brown and Dairy Women's Network Western Bay of Plenty regional convenor Belinda Spratt. Photo/George Novak

Humane slaughter was one of the main topics under discussion at the Welfare Matters workshop held by the Dairy Women's Network at Te Puke on Tuesday.

Run in conjunction with Dairy NZ, a group of 10 women gathered to hear about welfare rules and the benefits of looking after stock.

Dairy NZ animal husbandry extension specialist Bruce Eyers discussed on-farm guidelines and the law regarding emergency and routine slaughter since the use of blunt trauma to the head of calves was banned last year.

He demonstrated the captive bolt method, which was an alternative to using a firearm and would stun a cow but usually kill a calf.

The small handheld device was loaded with a gun-like bullet, but they were deemed to be safer than a rifle and could be easily carried about.

Calves or cows were shot in the middle of their forehead between the horn buds and stunned, before secondary killing methods took place.

These included placing a metal or plastic rod through the hole made with the captive bolt or using a knife to cut its throat.

Mr Eyers said it was important all dairy farmers understood the requirements of good farm practice and their obligations under law.

However, it was difficult for people to know what to do if they did not understand the framework in the first place and education was the key, he said.

Women were often involved with policy development and the human management side of dairy businesses, so it was good to hold seminars for them.

"They are so easy to engage, men generally need to join the dots." Te Puke Young Farmers Club secretary Jessica Siemelink said animal welfare had become "a big thing in our industry". It was good catching up and learning about the latest developments.

Dairy farmer Phillipa Garrett said she wanted to be more up to date with the Animal Welfare Act: "I just wanted to make sure everything is being done right on our farms.

"The workshop has been really great, and it's been good to hear other people's experiences and how they deal with things."

Shoof International area representative Samantha McMillan showcased a device to keep cows' tails clean instead of attacking them with the scissors. Dairy Women's Network Western Bay of Plenty regional convenor Belinda Spratt said it was crucial women kept up to pace with changes.

There were about 70 women on its Western Bay database and anyone could join, she said.

"It is just about networking, learning and sharing information in a supportive environment."