Nathan Guy welcomes report showing major improvement in bobby calf welfare

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has welcomed a new report showing a major improvement in bobby calf welfare last year.

The ministry for primary industries had vets at almost every processing facility, he said, the 2016 season calf mortality rate between farm and processing more than halving, from 0.25 per cent to 0.12 per cent.

In 2008 the mortality rate was 0.68 per cent.

That, Mr Guy said, showed that new regulations and education campaigns had made a real difference.

"The wider industry and the MPI have put a lot of work into improving practices over recent years, and they deserve recognition for this," he added.

This was the first season with the new, tighter rules and regulations for handling bobby calves.

From August 1 this year, loading and unloading facilities will also be needed when young calves are transported for sale and slaughter, and appropriate shelter.

Mr Guy also acknowledged the industry groups that had formed a Bobby Calf Action Group in late 2015, including DairyNZ, Federated Farmers, the New Zealand Veterinary Association, the Road Transport Forum, the Meat Industry Association, the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand and the MPI.