Calf cull rule more humane

StockSense workshops are timed to prepare for the start of the calving season.

DAIRYNZ is rolling out a series of workshops throughout the country over the next two months to help upskill new entrants and senior staff in the industry.

A seminar will also cover the proper method of shooting dairy calves, following changes in the animal welfare code that forbid bludgeoning them to death. The rule changes, announced by Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy, came into effect on June 13.

Animal husbandry and welfare team manager Chris Leach says the StockSense workshops will provide practical hands-on learning.

The events are timed for the start of the calving season so participants would have the skills and knowledge fresh in their mind. "The workshops are practical in nature, held on working farms, and will provide attendees with core stockmanship skills.

"They are particularly important for new entrants to the industry so they have the opportunity to learn the key skills that are needed to help calving go well."

In its Dairy Diary, Fonterra has reinforced to its suppliers that blunt force is not an acceptable method of humane slaughter. "DairyNZ have for a number of years advised that blunt force trauma is not best practice and seek to support farmers by providing advice and training in approved methods that can result in better animal welfare.

"The humane slaughter session will provide advice and training in the use of a firearm or captive-bolt gun for euthanasia, including hands-on practice with a captive-bolt gun," Leach says. "Farmers need to understand what's expected of them."

Other sessions will look at strategies for managing cows in the colostrum period and documenting farm policy and procedures, Leach says. The junior workshop "get ready for calving" will provide training for junior or new staff.

"Participants will learn to identify the signs of calving, stages of labour, normal and abnormal calf presentation and when to call for help.

"Even those who have grown up on a farm or worked for a season or two will benefit from the junior workshop.

"This is an event that builds competence and confidence for the whole team, from the farm assistant to the farm manager."