Farmers will look to see that these calves are free of disease, deformity or disability, are able to stand on all four feet and move about freely.
They need to have firm hooves that are worn flat and have a navel that is wrinkled, withered and shrivelled. All these are indications the calf is at least four days old and fit to travel.
Farmers will need to have processes in place so that their calf rearers understand what's required.
On the day of travel, bobbies should be fed at least half the day's ration of colostrum (or colostrum substitute) not more than two hours before pick-up.
This means that farmers are going to have to talk with their transport operator to find out what time they are due.
They also need to talk to the processor in case of other feed requirements.
Bobbies must not be fed any colostrum or milk from cows that have been treated with antibiotics if the withholding period still applies. Carcases are tested at the works and penalties are high if residues are found.
Bobbies awaiting pick-up need to be kept in a sheltered pen off the main road, where it's easy for loading.
A loading facility will be required by August 2017 but, if you can have one ready, good. Lifting calves and placing them onto the truck is hard work, especially when you do it all day.
For those bobbies not fit for transport, it is against the law to kill them by blunt-force trauma except in emergency situations.
Federated Farmers recommends the use of a captive bolt, a firearm or a vet-administered injection.
The Ministry for Primary Industries is keen to talk to your community about the new regulations - email animalwelfarepolicy@mpi.govt.nz.
- Ann Thompson is a Federated Farmers dairy policy Adviser
